The plant will have installed capacity of 152 MWp, which is sufficient to supply a city of 430,000 people. Construction work is scheduled to begin in 2021 and the electricity generated will be used by Braskem's industrial units in Brazil. With the agreement, the company estimates the avoidance of 500 kilo tons of CO₂ emissions over two decades.

According to Gustavo Checcucci, Braskem's Energy director, "the company's sustainable energy strategy considers constantly striving for opportunities to add value by improving energy efficiency and using renewable resources available to supply our industrial units. The possibility of contributing to the construction of a new solar power park is a decisive factor for ensuring the competitiveness of our business." The agreement with Canadian Solar, like the other agreements recently signed for the purchase and use of renewable energy, helps to advance this market in Brazil, encouraging other companies to follow the same path.

Braskem's partnership with Canadian Solar provides for the use of highly efficient bifacial BiHiKu modules. "Canadian Solar has consolidated a leadership position in Brazil's solar market and continues to innovate by creating new trends. We are very pleased to be partnering with Braskem to offer 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 remains one of our most important markets," said Shawn Qu, president of Canadian Solar.

Commitment to renewable energy

In March, Braskem announced a partnership with the French multinational Voltalia for the purchase of solar power over the next 20 years, which will enable construction of the Serra do Mel Solar Complex in the state of Rio Grande do Norte with nominal capacity of 270 MW. In late 2018, the company signed a an agreement with EDF Renewable for the purchase of wind power for a period of 20 years with an estimated reduction in CO₂ emissions of 325,000 tons. Through these agreements with Voltalia and EDF Renewable, Braskem estimates it will avoid around 455,000 tons of in CO₂ emissions.

"The world industry is completely transforming from the technological and environment standpoints. Always at the vanguard of these issues, Braskem's corporate DNA incorporates a commitment to the sustainable development of its business and of the regions in which we operate. We have a target to continue making progress in expanding our renewable energy portfolio, reinforcing our role as a national reference in the topic," concluded Checcucci.