Braskem signs a new long-term agreement to purchase solar energy

Braskem announces to the Brazilian market another long-term contract for the purchase of renewable energy, this time with Canadian Solar Inc., one of the largest solar companies in the world. The agreement makes possible the construction of a plant in northern Minas Gerais and guarantees energy supply for 20 years, representing another important advance in the company’s sustainable energy strategy, in line with efforts to expand the use of clean and Sustainable energy matrices in their operation.

The plant will have an installed capacity of 152 MWp, enough to power a city of 430 thousand inhabitants. Construction works are planned to begin in 2021 and the energy generated will be used in Braskem’s industrial units in Brazil. Through the contract, the company estimates to avoid the emission of 500 thousand tons of CO2 into the atmosphere over two decades.

According to Gustavo Checcucci, Braskem’s Energy Director, “the company’s sustainable energy strategy considers the constant search for opportunities to add value by improving energy efficiency and The use of renewable sources available to supply our industrial units. The possibility of contributing to the construction of a new solar park is a decisive factor in ensuring business competitiveness”. The contract with Canadian Solar, as well as the others recently signed by the company for the purchase and use of renewable energy, contributes to the advance of this market in Brazil, stimulating other companies to follow the same path.

The partnership between Braskem and Canadian Solar foresees the use of high efficiency bifacial BiHiKu modules: “Canadian Solar has established a leading position in the solar market in Brazil and continues to innovate, by setting a new trend. We are pleased to join Braskem in offering integrated energy solutions, from solar modules to the development and Management of projects and services. We have a long-term commitment to solar energy in Brazil, which will remain one of our most important markets”, says Shawn Qu, president of Canadian Solar.

Commitment to renewable energy

In March this year Braskem announcedpartnership with the French multinational Voltaliato purchase solar energy for the next 20 years, which will make possible the construction of the Serra do Mel solar complex, in Rio Grande do Norte, with capacity to generate 270 MW. At the end of 2018, the company signeda contract with EDF Renewableto buy wind power, also for a period of two decades. Through these two agreements, with Voltalia and EDF Renewable, Braskem estimates to refrain the emission of about 455 thousand tons of CO2.

“World industry is in full transformation, both technologically and environmentally. Braskem has always been ahead with these issues, we carry in our DNA the commitment to the sustainable development of the business and the regions we are present. Our goal is to continue to expand our renewable energy portfolio, reinforcing our role as a national reference,” concludes Checcucci.