The energy conglomerate is considering adding local power demand, in the form of bitcoin mining or storage systems, for its largest solar farm in Brazil, Assu Sol, located in the east. This would help the complex use the energy that the local power grid cannot absorb.
Engie Mulls Starting Bitcoin Mining Operations to Leverage Curtailed Energy in Brazil
Engie, a global power company, is seeking alternatives to leverage its excess solar power generation in Brazil.
According to reports, Eduardo Sattamini, Engie county manager for Brazil, stated that the French energy conglomerate is considering using part of the energy produced in Assu Sol, its largest solar facility, to power local bitcoin mining or data center operations.
Nonetheless, while the company is currently looking at other companies that would take the energy curtailed for these processes, Sattamini acknowledges that it will not be a quick process, as the logistics behind this option encompass interested companies building infrastructure near the complex.
“That’s not coming next month. It will take a couple of years for us to implement,” he stressed.
Assu Sol, located in the Rio Grande do Norte State in the east, started operations in January 2025. At that time, it was projected that the complex would generate 752.7 MW when completed.
These large generation numbers have been troubling for the company, as production has to be reduced because the power grid cannot use all the energy generated. This process, called curtailment, results in billions of reais in losses for solar firms, but Engie did not reveal the level of generation affected.
Engie is the largest non-state-owned utility operator in Brazil, managing 11 energy complexes around the country, a mix of hydroelectric and thermal, besides Assu Sol. The company has an installed capacity of nearly 9,000 MW through a majority stake in Engie Brazil, formerly known as Tractebel Energia.
Engie surging as an energy provider for bitcoin miners or data centers in Assu Sol might also bring similar agreements to more of its power plants if the need to sell energy that would be otherwise wasted rises. This would open a channel for third parties to partner with the company, offering new opportunities for bitcoin miners and datacenter operators in Brazil.
FAQ
-
What is Engie exploring to utilize its excess solar power in Brazil?
Engie is considering leveraging energy from its Assu Sol facility to power local bitcoin mining and data center operations. -
What challenges does Engie face in implementing this plan?
The logistics require building infrastructure by interested companies near the complex, which Sattamini estimates will take a couple of years to finalize. -
What is the capacity of the Assu Sol facility?
Assu Sol, operational since January 2025, is projected to generate 752.7 MW when completed, but currently experiences curtailment due to grid limitations. -
How significant is Engie’s role in Brazil’s energy sector?
As the largest non-state-owned utility in Brazil, Engie operates 11 energy complexes, with a total installed capacity of nearly 9,000 MW, offering potential new opportunities for market collaboration in solar energy.
