Enel SpA's Brazilian renewable energy subsidiary Enel Green Power Brasil Participações Ltda. started operation at a 475-MW section of the São Gonçalo solar photovoltaic plant in Brazil's northeastern state of Piauí, a year ahead of a deadline set by the country's energy regulator.

Of the total installed capacity, 265 MW is supported by 20-year power supply contracts with a pool of distribution companies operating in Brazil's regulated market, while the remaining 210 MW is expected to operate on a merchant basis.

Once fully up and running, the 475-MW section of the plant will be able to generate over 1,200 GWh of electricity per year, according to a Jan. 13 news release.

Enel has invested about 1.4 billion Brazilian reais, or $390 million, on the construction of the initial section and is investing another 422 million reais, or $110 million, in a 133-MW extension.

The second phase, which is due to start operation in 2020, will bring the overall capacity of São Gonçalo to 608 MW, with the ability to generate more than 1,500 GWh annually.

As of Jan. 13, US$1 is equivalent to 4.13 Brazilian reais.