Wedoany.com Report-Dec.10, Equinor and its Brazilian subsidiary Rio Energy have started commercial operations at the Serra da Babilônia solar facility in Brazil, creating the company's first hybrid solar-wind power complex in the country.

The Serra da Babilônia solar facility is forecast to generate 236GWh of electricity annually.

The integrated project combines 140 MW of newly commissioned solar capacity with the adjacent 223 MW Serra da Babilônia wind farm. By harnessing complementary generation profiles—solar during daylight hours and wind predominantly at night and during different seasonal patterns—the hybrid complex delivers more consistent output, reduces intermittency, and enhances overall grid reliability.

Equinor power executive vice-president Helge Haugane said: "Hybrid projects that effectively integrate solar and wind technologies support a stable and reliable energy supply while enhancing value creation, in line with Equinor's strategy. Such projects and the integration of technologies will be important for building a competitive power business."

Shared infrastructure between the solar and wind facilities provides significant operational synergies, lowering both construction and maintenance costs compared to standalone developments.

The Serra da Babilônia solar plant is expected to produce approximately 236 GWh of electricity annually, sufficient to supply around 143,000 Brazilian households. All power generated by the hybrid complex will be sold on Brazil’s domestic market through Danske Commodities, Equinor's energy trading unit.

Equinor Brazil senior vice-president and country manager Veronica Coelho said: "Brazil is a key area for Equinor's long-term growth. Building on a solid portfolio of oil and natural gas, including Raia that will supply around 15% of Brazil’s total gas demand, we are advancing towards a more integrated and diverse energy offering in the country. With Serra da Babilônia Solar operational, we now have around 600 MW of solar and wind capacity in power production, which we can further optimise through our trading arm Danske Commodities based in São Paulo."

Acquired in 2023, Rio Energy serves as Equinor's dedicated platform for expanding onshore renewable generation in Brazil. The successful commissioning of Serra da Babilônia solar demonstrates continued progress in developing efficient, market-oriented renewable projects that complement the company's established oil and gas activities in the region.