Oiapoque
2016
connected
7.27
hectares
4 MW
solar
+12 MW
thermal unit
24 263
inhabitants
446
tons of CO2 avoided per year
The completion of the Oiapoque power plant, which was gradually commissioned since the end of October, enables Voltalia to have its first solar plant in Brazil. Announced in January 2017, the construction of the 4 MW solar unit adds to the initial project which combines a thermal unit (12 MW commissioned in December 2015) and a hydropower plant (7.5 MW), the completion of which is expected in 2021.
As a reminder, Voltalia had won in 2014 the tender organized for the isolated site of Oiapoque, a city of 24 000 inhabitants not connected to the national electricity grid. Voltalia had then distinguished itself by being the only competitor to offer a hybrid power plant (hydro/thermal mix), thus producing a cleaner and cheaper electricity than the one generated by the diesel generators used by the municipality so far.
Associating three sources of energy, including two renewable, this achievement once again highlights Voltalia’s industrial expertise as well as the agility of the teams.
The production of the solar plant will be sold under the same terms as the 15-year electricity sales contract. This solar plant will optimize the existing infrastructure and operating costs of the plant by reducing the use of diesel fuel for electricity generation. Voltalia will thus be able to ensure the electricity consumption of the isolated city of Oiapoque thanks to a 90% renewable electricity production.
