Carrefour Brasil Signs 240 MW Solar Contract with Casa dos Ventos

Grupo Carrefour Brasil and Casa dos Ventos have signed a solar energy supply agreement valued at 1 billion reals (approximately $175 million), according to the companies. The ten-year contract covers 240 megawatts (MW) to be delivered from 2027, serving Atacadão, Carrefour and Sam's Club stores operating in Brazil.

A 640 MW complex under construction in Mato Grosso do Sul

The energy will come from the Complexo Fotovoltaico Paraíso, currently under construction in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The photovoltaic complex has a total installed capacity of 640 MW, of which 240 MW will be exclusively dedicated to Grupo Carrefour Brasil's operations, with commissioning scheduled for 2027.

Electricity is the group's second-largest operational expense, according to Rodrigo Monteiro, head of purchasing at Grupo Carrefour Brasil. The agreement is intended to provide "clean, predictable and competitive" energy for a significant portion of its consumption, the company said. It also targets 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and a reduction of approximately 60% in scope 1 and 2 emissions by the end of the decade.

Contract structure and specialist advisory

The contractual structure aims to provide budget predictability and protection against energy market volatility, according to the parties. The project was structured with strategic and financial advisory from CELA (Clean Energy LatinAmerica), a consultancy specializing in renewable energy in Latin America.

Casa dos Ventos operates through a joint venture established with TotalEnergies. This alliance leveraged the pre-existing relationship between TotalEnergies and the Carrefour Group in France to develop the partnership in Brazil. "The contract represents the strengthening of a global alliance," said Thibault Sabatier, Director of Synergies at Casa dos Ventos.

Self-supply model for retail

The project presents itself, according to the parties, as a large-scale self-supply model for the retail sector. Lucas Araripe, chief executive of Casa dos Ventos, described the deal as "proof that the energy transition is advantageous for companies in any sector of the economy." The ten-year term provides long-term visibility for both parties, combining cost competitiveness and carbon footprint reduction.