For this PPA, Canadian Solar will develop and build the 381 MWp Morada do Sol project in the State of Goiás. Construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2024 and the project is expected to reach commercial operation by January 2025. This is the first corporate PPA signed directly with an industrial customer under the Brazilian self-production framework, and sets another landmark for Canadian Solar in this market as it will directly and materially reduce energy costs for industrial consumers.
The Morada do Sol project will use Canadian Solar's high efficiency bifacial BiHiKu modules. Once in operation, the project is expected to generate approximately 790 GWh of clean energy annually, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 432,700 households or displacing 118,500 tons of CO2 emissions.
“While we are working towards our own ESG goals, we are also proud to partner with Usiminas in a tailored solution in the Morada do Sol project to achieve their energy cost reduction and ESG goals,” commented Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar. “This transaction also contributes to enhance our footprint and leading position in the Brazilian market, and demonstrates our capability to continue delivering sustainable, competitive, and innovative solutions to our customers in a country where we have cumulatively developed over 4.1 GWp of projects.”
According to Sergio Leite de Andrade, CEO of Usiminas, “This year, as Usiminas celebrates its 60th anniversary, the company is looking to the future and is committed to ensure the sustainability of its operations. Initiatives such as the partnership with Canadian Solar for the supply of solar energy to power our operations are important steps in its journey to be increasingly aligned with the principles of the ESG agenda.”
