Why is Engie considering bitcoin mining for its solar plant in Brazil?

Engie is considering bitcoin mining data centers to create local demand for electricity at its Assu Sol solar plant, helping to mitigate the economic impact of curtailments.

What are curtailments and why are they a problem for solar farms in Brazil?

Curtailments are reductions in electricity generation from renewable sources because the grid cannot absorb all the power. This has become a major issue since 2023, causing billions of reais in losses for energy firms.

When can Engie expect to implement new solutions at its Assu Sol solar plant?

Engie's country manager for Brazil indicated that the implementation of solutions like data centers or storage systems is not a short-term fix and will likely take a couple of years.

Home / Business and Economy / Engie Eyes Crypto for Brazil's Largest Solar Project

Engie Eyes Crypto for Brazil's Largest Solar Project

23 Feb

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Summary

Solar plant may host bitcoin mining or storage systems.
Curtailments hurt profitability of Brazil's largest solar farm.
Implementation of new solutions could take a couple of years.

Engie Eyes Crypto for Brazil's Largest Solar Project

Engie is exploring innovative solutions to enhance the profitability of its Assu Sol solar plant, the company's largest worldwide. Located in northeast Brazil, the 895 MWp facility is experiencing reduced economic returns due to electricity generation curtailments. These curtailments, implemented to balance Brazil's power grid, have become a significant issue for renewable energy farms since 2023, causing substantial financial losses.

To address this challenge, Engie is investigating the installation of storage systems or data centers for bitcoin mining. These measures are intended to create local demand and manage excess production that cannot be absorbed by the grid. While these options are under consideration, Engie's country manager for Brazil cautioned that their implementation is a long-term prospect, likely requiring a couple of years.

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