The results of a new study on the integration of floating photovoltaic systems with hydroelectric plants in Brazil were the subject of a webinar hosted by PSR. The event brought together industry experts to discuss the technical, economic, regulatory, and environmental aspects involved in adopting this technology, which has the potential to transform the Brazilian electricity grid.

The study indicates that if just 1% of the country’s hydroelectric reservoir area were used for the installation of floating solar panels, it would be possible to add up to 38 GW to the national electricity grid, the equivalent of more than one Itaipu hydroelectric plant. The benefits of this synergy between solar and hydroelectric power include optimizing the use of the transmission grid and providing solutions to land and socio-environmental issues.

The webinar was opened by Jairo Terra, Head of Regulation and Litigation at PSR and moderator of the event. Rafael Kelman, Executive Director of PSR, then presented the main findings of the report. The private sector perspective, from a developer’s perspective, was presented by Ediléu Cardoso, CEO of KWP Energia, who shared the opportunities and challenges of enabling floating solar projects at scale. The event also included a panel discussion with the speakers and Carlos Costa, Senior Energy Economist at the World Bank. The group discussed the next steps to promote the integration of hydropower and floating solar generation in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner.

The full webinar recording is available at: https://webinar.psr-inc.com

The full study can be accessed here.