ENERGY TRANSITION

Brazil Launches R$350 Million Plan to Make Noronha’s Power Supply Fully Fossil-Free by 2027

The goal will be met through an investment announced in Belém (Pará), made possible by a partnership between Neoenergia and the Governments of Brazil and Pernambuco. The company also announced the mobilization of international financing to upgrade Bahia’s electricity distribution system

Published on Nov 24, 2025 3:10 PM

The announcement was made in Belém. Photo: Courtesy of Neoenergia

By Neoenergia

Electricity production on the Island of Fernando de Noronha is expected to become free of fossil fuels starting in 2027, with the construction of the Noronha Verde Solar Plant, part of the Noronha Verde Project of Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME).

In partnership with the Governments of Brazil and Pernambuco, Neoenergia announced the start of construction of the Noronha Verde Solar Plant during an event in Belém (Pará). With an investment of R$350 million, the project combines solar generation and battery storage to replace the use of biodiesel. The objective is to decarbonize the island within two years, making it the first inhabited oceanic island in Latin America to reach this milestone.

Also in the archipelago, the company delivered the first Floating Photovoltaic Solar Plant, installed on the water surface of the Açude do Xaréu reservoir, and consolidated the operation of 100% Smart Grids following the complete replacement of consumption meters.

The launch of construction of the Noronha Verde Solar Plant was attended by Eduardo Capelastegui, CEO of Neoenergia; Ignacio Galán, Executive Chairman of Iberdrola and Chairman of the Board of Neoenergia; Alexandre Silveira, Minister of Mines and Energy; Raquel Lyra, Governor of Pernambuco; Solange Ribeiro, Vice-President of Neoenergia; and Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Air Force Lieutenant-Brigadier.

The Floating Photovoltaic Solar Plant was installed on the water surface of the Açude do Xaréu reservoir. Photo: Courtesy of Neoenergia

Modernization of energy distribution in Bahia

In Belém, Neoenergia also formalized a green financing agreement of €300 million with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to modernize the electricity distribution network in Bahia, benefiting approximately 6 million people. The focus is on increasing the efficiency and reliability of the service, particularly in low-income communities, while preparing the system to integrate more renewable energy sources.

This is the first contract in Brazil under the Global Gateway initiative, the European Union’s strategy for sustainable investment.

Complementary Actions

Neoenergia also highlighted its investment plan of R$30 billion in Brazil for the period 2025 to 2028, with a focus on electricity distribution networks. Within this package, the inauguration is planned in Brasília (Federal District) of one of the country’s first green hydrogen vehicle refueling units, as part of the Research, Development and Innovation Program of the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL).

Through these and other initiatives, Neoenergia, a Gold Partner of COP30, underscores the company’s commitment to electrification and the decarbonization of the economy, while promoting socially and environmentally responsible practices.

Translation: Michel Emmanuel Félix François (POET/UFC)
Proofreading: Tadeu Azevedo (POET/UFC)