The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) published on Friday (1st) an ordinance authorizing Neoenergia Pernambuco to expand the renewable generation of Fernando de Noronha through photovoltaics and battery storage. The aim of the Green Noronha project is to achieve up to 85% decarbonization in the archipelago, which is currently mostly powered by diesel, and which will become the first inhabited island in Latin America to reach this mark. The initiative is an important contribution to the energy transition by replacing the consumption of more polluting fossil fuels with clean energy.

In addition, it is a project that will have a positive impact on all Brazilians, as it will contribute to reducing charges and subsidies on energy bills, which are currently paid by consumers across the country through the Fuel Consumption Account (CCC), which subsidizes the energy generated by diesel on the island.

Noronha Verde is expected to start operating in early 2027. The planned investments are in the order of R$300 million. The initiative, which involves the Federal Government, through the MME, and the State Government of Pernambuco, will be licensed by the CPRH (Pernambuco State Environment Agency), with the consent of ICMBio. As soon as the decree is published, Neoenergia will have 30 days to present an investment plan for the project.

The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, emphasizes the importance of the project. "Fernando de Noronha will be even greener and today we are taking an important step towards this: boosting the energy transition in this natural ecological heritage in our country. We have authorized one of the major centralized renewable energy generation projects, aimed at decarbonizing the island and strengthening renewable sources in the country," said Minister Alexandre Silveira.

Neoenergia's 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 weight of charges and subsidies given to energy generated by fossil fuels, 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 about the efficient consumption of electricity on the island, with a view to sustainability and quality of supply in this isolated system.

"Fernando de Noronha is one of our country's assets. We are now starting the energy transition, which is an important step towards preserving it. The Government of Pernambuco has a strategic vision for the energy transition in the state. Since the beginning of this administration, we have been investing in strengthening renewable sources, which is in line with the new economy.Our priority is for this transition to be carried out efficiently, sustainably and promote social and climate justice," said the acting governor, Priscila Krause.