Spanish renewable firm Solatio Energia will invest about BRL 3.4 billion (USD 853m/EUR 773m) in a 650-MW solar project in Brazil's Minas Gerais state.

The project, which consists of four solar farms that represent about 20% of all the solar energy contracted by the company in Brazil, will receive support from the Minas Gerais state government.

Among the photovoltaic (PV) projects is the 297-MW Pirapora plant, considered to be the largest in Latin America, the government said in a press release. This project alone, being a partnership with Canadian Solar Inc (NASDAQ:CSIQ), will require investments of some BRL 1.6 billion.

The other three plants will be constructed in Guimarania, Vazante and Paracatu. Together, the four facilities will have the capacity to produce about 1.5 million MWh per year.

Minas Gerais state was chosen for the projects due to its solar radiation and electrical infrastructure, the company said.