Solar energy has arrived in Paraíba hinterlands, fostering renewable energy generation in schools and public health care units. Neoenergia's initiative comprises communities located nearby Chafariz Wind Complex, under construction between the municipalities of Santa Luzia, São José do Sabugi, Areia de Baraúnas and São Mamede, in Paraíba state. The implementation of photovoltaic panels is just one of the many social-environmental initiatives that have been carried out voluntarily as a way to promote the development of these locations and benefit the region's population. Slated for start-up in 2022, the 15 wind farms of Chafariz Wind Complex will have installed capacity for generating 471.2 MW of clean energy.
117 photovoltaic plates were installed downtown in São José do Sabugi, with a monthly power of 6,500kWh in Mãe Vinil Maternity Hospital and Manoel Rodrigues Pinto Municipal School. Solar energy generated will have a production potential exceeding the necessary to supply both institutions. With that, the excess produced will be reverted into credits to grant discounts to the energy bills of two other units in the rural zone of the municipality: Antônio Miguel Leitão Municipal School and community sports court - “Chicozão", located in Redinha Community.
Likewise, the technical feasibility for the implementation of photovoltaic panels at Dr. Kival de Araujo Gorgônio Municipal Hospital, located in the urban area of Santa Luzia, is being assessed. After the completion of an inspection and respective report, it will be possible to determine the generation potential to meet the need of the health unit. "The initiatives provide economic and socio-environmental benefits to improve the quality of life of the communities around the project, reinforcing our commitment to SDG goals," says Liu Su E, New Business Manager at Neoenergia.
According to Vanessa Iris Silva, a specialist at the Neoenergia Renewable Energy Department, "in January vocational courses were promoted in partnership with SENAI for civil works, such as mason, carpenter, assembler and basic electrician to train local labor, focusing on future hiring to work in the project".