Iberdrola's Noronha Verde solar project begins in Brazil

Iberdrola has successfully completed the first phase of the Noronha Verde solar project in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil. On October 8, 2026, the company installed 4,800 solar panels, representing 15% of the total planned capacity. This initiative marks a significant step towards transforming Fernando de Noronha into Latin America’s first inhabited oceanic island with a highly sustainable energy model. The project aims to set a benchmark for self-sufficiency, security, and efficiency in renewable energy generation, eventually supplying energy to the island's electric network.

The Noronha Verde project is being developed by Iberdrola’s Brazilian subsidiary Neoenergia and is designed to incorporate solar generation along with advanced battery storage systems. It will include more than 30,000 solar panels and represents an investment of R$350 million Brazilian (over €50 million). The completion of the full project is expected by the end of 2026. The area is recognized by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage Site, emphasizing the project's commitment to environmental conservation. This initiative will eliminate the reliance on fossil fuels for power generation on the island.

The future solar plant will have an installed capacity of 22 MWp and 49 MWh of storage, sufficient to cover the energy consumption of approximately 9,000 households. This shift will significantly reduce the island's current dependence on biodiesel-based energy sources and promote a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape. The project was unveiled in November 2025 by Iberdrola’s Executive Chairman, Ignacio Galán, alongside Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira. It is being executed in collaboration with the Federal Government and the Government of the State of Pernambuco.

This initiative is part of the Mais por Noronha programme, focusing on electrification and new energy solutions on the island. This includes the installation of solar systems in homes and accommodations, developing charging infrastructure, and deploying smart grids. Looking ahead, the Noronha Verde project is poised to enhance energy sustainability on the island and serve as a model for similar initiatives worldwide. As countries seek to transition to renewable energy, this project exemplifies how innovative solutions can integrate energy generation with environmental stewardship.

The successful implementation of the project will likely inspire other regions to pursue similar sustainable energy models, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.