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Petrobras Enters Brazil's Solar Power Market With Lightsource bp JV

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Key Takeaways

  • Petrobras enters Brazil's solar market by buying a 49.99% stake in Lightsource bp's local units.
  • The JV starts with the Milagres solar complex and includes a pipeline for gradual project expansion.
  • The deal supports Petrobras' 2026-2030 plan to diversify energy sources while partnering as a minority owner.

Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras (PBR - Free Report) is making a clear move beyond oil and gas by entering Brazil’s solar energy market through a new partnership with the Brazilian unit of BP p.l.c.’s (BP - Free Report) Lightsource solar and battery business. The state-run energy major has agreed to acquire a 49.99% stake in Lightsource bp’s Brazilian subsidiaries, marking its first direct step into the solar segment. The deal supports Petrobras’ longer-term goal of diversifying its portfolio while remaining disciplined by entering renewables as a minority partner.

A Strategic Entry Into Solar Power

The transaction will be structured as a joint venture (JV) and aligns with Petrobras’ 2026-2030 business plan. Once completed, the partnership will initially own one operational solar complex, Milagres, located in Brazil’s northeastern state of Ceará. While the starting portfolio is modest, the venture includes a pipeline of additional solar projects that could be developed over time, offering room for gradual expansion.

The JV Aligns With Petrobras’ Energy Transition Plans

Petrobras, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), has previously outlined plans to invest selectively in renewable fuels and clean energy sources such as ethanol, biodiesel and biomethane. The solar partnership adds another pillar to this strategy and could open doors to synergies in areas like battery energy storage. Management has indicated that a broader energy transition project is expected to be approved by the end of 2025, reinforcing the company’s shift toward a more balanced energy mix.

Why the Deal Matters for Both Sides

For Lightsource bp, the agreement comes as parent company BP looks to bring in partners while refocusing on its core oil and gas business. Although Lightsource bp has a sizable solar development pipeline in Brazil, renewables still contribute far less to BP’s earnings than traditional operations. The joint venture aims to develop profitable renewable projects and strengthen both companies’ positions in Brazil’s fast-growing clean energy market, subject to regulatory approvals.

Key Picks

Investors interested in the energy sector may consider some top-ranked stocks like Baytex Energy Corp. (BTE - Free Report) and Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (NGS - Free Report) , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Baytex Energy is a conventional oil and gas income trust focused on maintaining its production and asset base through internal property development and delivering consistent returns to its unitholders. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BTE’s 2025 earnings indicates 9.5% year-over-year growth.

Natural Gas Services manufactures, fabricates, sells, rents and services natural gas compressors that enhance the production of natural gas wells. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NGS’ 2025 earnings indicates 13.3% year-over-year growth.

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