Are renewables making money in Brazil? June A-4 auction results

On 28 June, Brazil’s Chamber of Energy of Commercialization (CCEE) held the A-4 auction for the regulated power market. The demand for this auction was surprisingly low at only 81.1 MW. But more surprising were the bid prices, setting a global record low for solar (US$17/MWh) and a second lowest price in the world for wind (US$21/MWh). Such low prices challenge the economics of renewables developers, but it is also clear evidence that they will rely on the wholesale market complemented by a merchant strategy. Read this insight for detailed analysis on: • The economics of the merchant strategy complementing these PPAs. • The details of this auction and how it compares with recent auctions internationally. • The internal return of these projects.