BRDE targets R$ 250 million for small hydro plants winning auction in Southern Brazil.
The clean energy landscape in Southern Brazil receives a new boost through the work of the Banco Regional de Desenvolvimento do Extremo Sul (BRDE). During FAEX Energy 2026, held in Xanxerê (SC), the bank identified R$ 250 million in potential financing aimed at power infrastructure projects.
The primary focus of this prospecting targets Small Hydroelectric Power Plants (SHPs) that emerged victorious in the 2025 A-5 Auction. This initiative demonstrates BRDE‘s commitment to enabling the expansion of renewable energy generation capacity in the region, a crucial step toward sustainable development.
Credit Demand Concentrated in Small Hydro Plants
The majority of the amount identified by BRDE is directed toward partially financing the construction of small hydro plants. These developments, having secured contracts in the 2025 federal auction, are now seeking the necessary capital to come to fruition.
Financial structuring is a common bottleneck in infrastructure projects. For BRDE, combining projected revenues from power purchase agreements with construction capital is essential to unlocking these investments.
The Role of FAEX Energy in Connecting the Sector
The FAEX Energy 2026 trade fair served as a strategic platform for the bank to present its credit lines. The solutions offered range from power generation to transmission and distribution, covering various project sizes and energy sources.
The event not only highlighted financing options but also brought BRDE‘s technical team closer to developers and companies across the power infrastructure supply chain. This proximity is vital for understanding market needs and directing financial support effectively.
Boosting the Economy of Western Santa Catarina
Prospecting new energy projects is intrinsically linked to expanding energy infrastructure and boosting the economy. The regional manager of BRDE Oeste, Paulo César Antoniollo, emphasizes this connection.
Paulo César Antoniollo stated:
Financing this sector helps make new investments viable and strengthens the economy of Western Santa Catarina.
The bank’s initiative thus aims not only to support clean energy projects, but also to generate a positive impact on local economic activity.
Next Steps and Formalization
It is important to emphasize that the R$ 250 million represents prospective volume, not funds that have already been contracted or disbursed. Securing these loans will depend on formal proposals submitted by developers and subsequent credit analysis by BRDE.
Proposals are expected to be formally submitted throughout 2026 and 2027, indicating a medium-term investment and development horizon for the renewable energy sector in Western Santa Catarina and other regions served by the bank.