Enel inaugurates 611MW Arinos solar park in Brazil

The solar park is located in the municipality of Arinos, in the state of Minas Gerais, and with more than 1 million photovoltaic modules has an installed capacity of 611MW. The investment amounts to about R$2.8 billion ($500 million). The construction phase generated over 3,500 jobs, 1,030 of which were allocated to local residents, generating around R$7 million in labour income. The park is also part of a framework of 24 projects implemented and 154 initiatives developed, which have already directly involved 47,800 people.

In terms of electricity production, the plant is designed to generate ~1.4TWh per year, an amount of energy capable of covering the consumption of 680,000 households. Environmental impact is an integral part of the project: according to estimates, the park’s entry into operation avoids approximately 790,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. Within the carbon neutral programme, these figures are translated into equivalent values: energy for 680,224 households and a reduction of 790,674 tons of CO₂ per year.

The plant’s management combines digital control and automation. Vegetation maintenance between the modules is carried out by mechanised machines and autonomous robots, which reduce risks for operators and makes interventions more consistent. Panel cleaning is performed using Sunbrush, a mechanised system that uses up to 70% less water than manual methods and increases daily efficiency by up to 80%. Inspections are performed with drones capable of quickly detecting faults or performance drops. 

In operation and maintenance activities, AI and machine learning are applied to anticipate failures and enable predictive, data-driven maintenance. The Solar Operational Level platform, developed in PI Vision, monitors assets in real time and coordinates interventions, integrating data on weather, solar radiation, inverter performance and lightning events.

With Arinos, the Enel Group strengthens its presence in the renewable energy sector in Brazil, consolidating its position as the country’s leading solar and wind operator. The company manages 6.6GW of total installed capacity in Brazil: 3.5GW from wind power, 1.8GW from solar power and 1.3GW from hydropower. Globally, the Group operates in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania, with a capacity of about 89GW, of which approximately 63GW comes from renewable sources.

Local community commitment

The commitment to local communities is a structural part of the project. In the areas influenced by the park, Numerous initiatives have been developed, involving local residents on topics such as environmental education, citizenship, health, diversity, culture, entrepreneurship and professional training. 

The Enel Compartilha Oportunidade programme prioritised local employment during the construction phase and activated training pathways. In collaboration with the Federal Institute of Northern Minas Gerais (IFNMG), eight professional courses were organised with 192 graduates. 

On the educational front, the Baú de Leitura initiative was created, bringing school reading rooms, a physical and digital library, and a catalogue of 1,200 works for children and adolescents; related storytelling workshops have already reached over 770 students. A dedicated call for proposals also supported 10 local associations to foster socioeconomic development.

The project also includes social inclusion initiatives. APAE Arinos, which supports people with intellectual disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders, received a photovoltaic system that will reduce energy costs by 50% and allow the expansion of its day centre, currently attended by about 40 adults, with new spaces dedicated to educational activities.

The seed bank produces seedlings of native Cerrado species and fruit trees to be distributed to rural producers in settlement areas, with the goal of supporting reforestation, agricultural diversification, food security and household income. On the economic front, an Arinos open air market was created in the area of the Chico Mendes Association, becoming a reference point for local producers and nearby communities such as Colônia dos Ciganos, Roça Campolina, Carlos Lamarca, and Carro Quebrado. 

Finally, the sports and neurodiversity programme offers sports and artistic workshops to promote inclusion and improve motor and communication skills, while also providing training for operators.