Lightsource BP Acquires 1.9 GW Solar Projects in Brazil

Lightsource BP has acquired 1.9 GW of solar PV power projects from Enerlife, in a major move into the Brazilian solar market.

Lightsource BP, a global leader in the funding, development and long-term operation of solar projects has announced the acquisition of nearly 2 GW of solar PV projects in a major move into the Brazilian solar market. The firm has acquired 1.9 GW of solar projects from Enerlife, almost doubling its current solar portfolio.

The 1.9 GW is spread across an undisclosed number of projects all over Brazil and in various stages of development. The portfolio includes 180 MW of distributed generation capacity – made up of arrays with no more than 5 MW capacity each – and 440 MW of utility-scale projects described by the purchaser as auction-ready or in late-stage development.

“This move creates a very firm footprint for us across the region and bringing the Enerlife team on board significantly enhances our local capability and experience,” said Lightsource BP Group chief operating officer Kareen Boutonnat. “These are the building blocks of which we will grow a very successful solar business across Brazil.”

The transaction will see Enerlife CEO Miguel Lobo and other senior executives move to Lightsource to continue managing the portfolio in question.

“Whilst we have identified an incredible opportunity in Brazil,” said Vlasios Souflis, director for international business development for Lightsource BP, “we need to ensure we have the right capability on the ground to realize our ambitions.” The executives joining Lightsource from Enerlife are said to have more than 50 years’ combined experience in developing PV projects in Brazil and other Latin American countries, as well as in Europe and the United States.

In May, Canadian institutional investor, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and Lightsource BP announced a debt investment of £150 million ($194 million) to finance a portfolio of solar assets owned and managed by Lightsource BP. The facility will initially be used to finance a diversified portfolio composed of over 100 solar projects located across various countries and totaling more than 700 MW. Over time, the facility could expand with further investment from CDPQ funding assets developed through the Lightsource BP pipeline.