Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul are at the forefront of solar energy expansion in Brazil’s Central-West region, solidifying the area as a crucial hub for Brazilian distributed generation.
The Central-West region has emerged as an epicenter for growth in photovoltaic energy in Brazil. Recent data from the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) and key electricity sector entities highlight the remarkable performance of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, which are recording impressive figures in terms of installed capacity and connection volume, solidifying the area as strategic in discussions about clean energy.
This advancement reflects the increasing adoption of self-generated energy by consumers, primarily in residential settings, driving the need for debates on infrastructure and innovation. The region not only keeps pace with the national rhythm but also sets trends, with cities and states surpassing larger metropolitan areas in the volume of solar energy generated.
Mato Grosso Reaches 239 Thousand Systems
A detailed survey, conducted by Solfácil based on information from Aneel, reveals that Mato Grosso has surpassed the significant milestone of 239 thousand solar energy systems in operation. This achievement places the state in sixth position nationally in the distributed generation ranking. In the last 12 months alone, approximately 48 thousand new installations were added, demonstrating a vigorous pace of expansion.
Mato Grosso’s performance is part of a national scenario where Brazil had already accounted for 4.439 million distributed generation systems by May 2026, with nearly 300 thousand new connections in just the first five months of the year. Nationally, the residential sector continues to be the main driver, accounting for 84% of installations, followed by rural properties (6%), commercial establishments (5%), and a combination of industries and public agencies (5%).
Campo Grande and Mato Grosso do Sul: Highlights in Capacity
In Mato Grosso do Sul, sector indicators also point to a trajectory of significant growth. The capital, Campo Grande, has consolidated its position among the top three Brazilian capitals in installed Photovoltaic Distributed Generation (GDFV) capacity, reaching 482 MW. The city aligns with Cuiabá (MT), with 494.4 MW, and Brasília (DF), with 580.5 MW, surpassing larger urban centers like Rio de Janeiro (372.6 MW) and São Paulo (216 MW).
At the state level, Mato Grosso do Sul ranks tenth nationally in GDFV, with an impressive 1,844.5 MW of installed solar capacity, representing 3.8% of the country’s total. Furthermore, in the Centralized Generation (GC) modality, which includes plants and large parks directly connected to the transmission grid, the state holds ninth place nationally, totaling 2,550.2 MW, with a portion already in operation, another under construction, and a significant share in future projects. Nationally, solar power already accounts for 26.4% of Brazil’s electricity matrix, totaling 70,338 MW.
Operational Challenges and the Future of Distributed Generation
The rapid pace of solar energy expansion, while positive, poses challenges to the existing electrical infrastructure. A recent report from the National Electric System Operator (ONS) warned that Mato Grosso do Sul is already experiencing periods of net energy export and what is called “negative net load” during the day. This means that, at certain times, local distributed generation exceeds the consumption of the distribution networks.
This scenario indicates a potential risk of operational restrictions or even production interruptions if the expansion and modernization works of the transmission and distribution grids do not keep pace with the rapid increase in demand and supply of solar energy.
Campo Grande to Host the Central-West GD Forum
In response to these transformations and technical challenges, Campo Grande will host the 32nd Edition of the Central-West Regional Distributed Generation (GD) Forum, scheduled for September 17 and 18, 2026. Organized by Grupo FRG Mídias & Eventos at the Crea-MS headquarters, the event will bring together specialists, integrators, and sector leaders to discuss innovative solutions, such as energy storage systems (BESS), the development of microgrids, new business models, and future regulatory guidelines.
The Forum’s program will address crucial topics, including GD opportunities for agribusiness, energy efficiency strategies, solutions for grid stabilization, and advancements in the energy transition in the Central-West region.
The leadership of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul in solar energy expansion demonstrates the enormous potential of the Central-West to drive Brazil’s energy transition. However, to sustain this growth and ensure system security and stability, it is essential that investments in infrastructure and strategic debates, such as those at the Central-West GD Forum, continue to guide the sector’s development, transforming challenges into opportunities for a more sustainable and energy-independent future.
