The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) published this Friday (1st) an ordinance authorizing Neoenergia Pernambuco to expand renewable generation in Fernando de Noronha through photovoltaic energy and battery storage. The goal of the Noronha Verde project is to achieve up to 85% decarbonization in the archipelago, which is currently mostly fueled by diesel and will become the first inhabited island in Latin America to reach this milestone. The initiative is an important contribution to the field of energy transition, through the replacement of the consumption of more polluting fossil fuels with clean energy.
Furthermore, it is a project that will bring positive impacts to all Brazilians as it will contribute to reducing charges and subsidies on energy bills, currently paid by consumers across the country through the Fuel Consumption Account (CCC), which subsidizes energy generated by diesel on the island.
Noronha Verde is expected to start operating in early 2027. The planned investment is around R$300 million. The initiative, which involves the Federal Government, through the MME, and the Government of the State of Pernambuco, will be licensed by CPRH (State Environmental Agency of Pernambuco), with the consent of ICMBio. From the publication of the ordinance, Neoenergia will have 30 days to present an investment plan for the project.
The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, reinforces the importance of the project. “Fernando de Noronha will be even greener and today we are taking an important step towards this: driving the energy transition in this natural ecological heritage in our country. We have authorized one of the largest centralized renewable energy generation projects, aiming at the decarbonization of the island and the strengthening of renewable sources in the country”, highlighted Minister Alexandre Silveira.
Neoenergia CEO Eduardo Capelastegui also highlighted the positive impacts of the initiative both regionally and nationally. “This project represents a major step forward for the island and for the national electricity sector, as it enables the production of renewable energy in an isolated system such as Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The initiative reinforces Neoenergia’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in pursuit of an energy transition for all. In addition to reducing emissions, the increase in renewable generation allows us to reduce the burden of charges and subsidies imposed on energy generated by fossil fuels and which are paid by all consumers in the country ,” says Capelastegui .
The initiative includes the installation of a hybrid solar photovoltaic plant combined with a battery bank. Energy efficiency actions are also planned to raise awareness among the population, focusing on efficient consumption of electricity on the island, aiming at sustainability and quality of supply in this isolated system.
" Fernando de Noronha is a heritage of our country. We are now beginning the energy transition, which is an important step towards its preservation. The Government of Pernambuco has a strategic vision for the energy transition in the State. Since the beginning of the administration, we have been investing in strengthening renewable sources, which speaks to the new economy. Our priority is that this transition is carried out in an efficient, sustainable manner and promotes social and climate justice ", highlighted the acting governor, Priscila Krause.
