French energy major Engie is exploring the possibility of installing battery storage systems or Bitcoin mining data centers at its newly commissioned 895-megawatt Açu Sol solar plant in northeastern Brazil. The initiative aims to efficiently utilize surplus energy production and mitigate curtailment losses—restrictions imposed to maintain grid stability that force solar and wind plants to reduce output. Engie, largely owned by the French government and focused on low-carbon energy transition, faces curtailment challenges at the Açu Sol plant due to Brazil’s rapidly expanding renewable capacity, weak demand, and transmission constraints, resulting in billions of reais in losses for the energy sector. To address this, Engie is considering converting excess electricity into valuable assets through onsite battery storage or Bitcoin mining data centers, though such projects may take several years to materialize. The Bitcoin mining industry is increasingly pivoting toward artificial intelligence applications, with major operators transforming mining units into AI data centers to capitalize on new profitable opportunities. These developments highlight a shift in energy utilization and digital currency sectors, particularly in regions where renewable resources exist but are difficult to fully harness. Engie’s initiative could reduce energy waste and promote energy-intensive industries like Bitcoin mining.
Source: bitcoinmagazine
