Brazil Windpower 2023: social responsibility project at the Neoenergia Renewable Complex is a model for the sector

Lead an energy transition in a reliable way and with greater value generation for society. This is one of Neoenergia's purposes to maintain the best ESG (acronym in English for environmental, social and governance) practices for the population of the locations where the company is present.

The social project, developed by the company in the Neoenergia Renewable Complex, shows why the relationship with the community of wind and solar generation projects has become a reference for the sector. The presentation of the model was held this Wednesday (13th) during the 14th edition of Brazil Windpower, the largest wind energy event in Latin America, which will take place until next Thursday (14th), in São Paulo.

“At the Neoenergia Renewable Complex, the relationship with communities started from the beginning of the project measurement campaign. Now, local residents have a reference for the future relationships of other renewable entrepreneurs. Our idea is to prevent, reduce and compensate for the impacts”, said Vanessa Iris Silva, a specialist biologist at Neoenergia who works to conduct the social project.

Pioneering the associated generation

Located in the hinterland of Paraíba, the Neoenergia Renewable Complex integrates in an unprecedented way the generation of wind and solar energy from Neoenergia Chafariz and Neoenergia Luzia, respectively. The parks are connected to the National Interconnected System (SIN) by the Neoenergia Santa Luzia II substation and the respective transmission line. Made up of 15 wind farms and 136 wind turbines, Neoenergia Chafariz operates with an installed capacity of 471.2 MW, already in full operation since the beginning of 2022. The two Neoenergy Luzia plants, with 228,000 panels and an installed capacity of 149.2 MWp, mark the company's debut in centralized photovoltaic generation.

The Neoenergia Renewable Complex is located in a leased area of 8,700 hectares, where only 14% is occupied with energy generation. In this way, the previously existing economic practices are maintained. The project covers regions of the municipalities of Santa Luiza, Areia de Baraúnas, São José de Sabugi and São Mamede. All socio-environmental impact studies were carried out strictly, in accordance with current legislation in the country and within the best global practices related to the topic.

Another social aspect that also stands out is the way in which the company deals with land issues. Neoenergia practices only the form of land leasing, without purchases, keeping the individual in their original territory. The proceeds paid to the owners of leased land from the Neoenergia Renewable Complex inject more than R$ 600,000 into the local economy every month in addition to the savings that existed before the project.

Another highlight is in relation to the environmental education and sustainability projects developed. The establishment of a green nursery, with more than 100,000 seedlings produced, was associated with an ecological trail and has received several visits from students from schools and universities.

“We consider that this was a fundamental point in the construction of social values, the engagement of the local community with environmental protection measures, and the generation of knowledge and appreciation about the Caatinga biome. Such measures are connected to the creation of a sense of belonging and responsibility with the local environment”, concluded biologist Vanessa Iris Silva.