Renewable energy developer Newave Energia and investment firm Gerdau have opened a 452MW solar photovoltaic plant in Brazil. The Solar de Barro Alto project, located in Goiás, involved an investment of US$240 million and the installation of nearly 731,000 solar panels.

Newave Energia handled the development, construction, and commercialisation of the plant and will continue to lead its operations. Part of the electricity generated will be supplied to the Mercado Livre de Energia (Free Energy Market) through flexible contracts for corporate offtakers, while 40% will be used by Gerdau to support its steel production. Gerdau also participated in the project and is a shareholder of Newave Energia.

The project marks a further step in Newave Energia’s expansion into renewables. In June 2025, the company launched the 420MW Arinos solar park in Minas Gerais, with Gerdau also offtaking 40% of its output.

Newave Energia acquired the Arinos project in 2023 from Voltalia. CEO Edgard Corrochano said the project demonstrates how well-structured developments can align efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability, while highlighting the importance of its partnership with Gerdau.