In a debate organized by CEBDS in Natal (RN), with the presence of the Governor, Fátima Bezerra, vice-president of Neoenergia and president of the ONS Board, Solange Ribeiro, argues that investments in clean energy in the Northeast are fundamental to boost socioeconomic development in the region

 

A pioneer in the development of wind power generation in Rio Grande do Norte, Neoenergia remains committed to advancing the country's energy transition. While participating in the CEBDS Seminar in Natal this Wednesday, Solange Ribeiro, vice-president of Neoenergia, emphasized that investments in clean energy generation in Northeastern Brazil are fundamental to the reduction of inequalities and the region's socioeconomic

development.

“Due to its strategic location, intensity and availability of favorable winds, and abundance of sunshine, the region is the leader in renewable energy investments in Brazil,” said Solange Ribeiro.

The executive highlighted the importance of creating a regulatory base for investments in the development of offshore wind power generation. Neoenergia has a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of studies for the production of offshore wind power generation in Rio Grande do Norte

.

The panel also discussed the importance of the social legacy of companies, such as the Neoenergia School of Electricians, which, in partnership with SENAI, has already trained 6,000 electricians - 75% of whom were absorbed as their own workforce in Neoenergia - and almost 17% are women.

Another topic highlighted was how renewable energy provides social inclusion in remote locations. Last year, Neoenergia completed the installation of a centralized solar energy system with batteries and distribution network in the isolated community of Xique-Xique, in Remanso (BA). The microgrid research and development project benefited more than 100 families who started to have clean and renewable electricity on

a daily basis.

Presence and partnership in Rio Grande do Norte

Neoenergia currently has 11 wind farms in operation in Rio Grande do Norte, with 331 MW of installed power in the municipalities of Rio do Fogo, Areia Branca, Lagoa Nova, Santana do Matos and Bodó. In Rio do Fogo, Neoenergia was a pioneer when it put into operation, in 2006, the first wind farm in the country. The company is also active in the development of photovoltaic projects

in the state.

In addition, the company serves around 1.6 million customers in Rio Grande do Norte through Neoenergia Cosern. This year, the distributor announced investments of around R$ 2.1 billion in works on the Potiguar electrical system by 2027. The resources will ensure greater energy continuity and reliability for residential customers and various sectors of the local economy, ensuring accessibility and meeting the growing demand in the region, boosting the growth of the

local workforce.

About the event

This is the first time that the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) has held the event in the capital of Rio Grande do Norte — one of the leading renewable energy states, with a generation capacity of 8GW in operation, representing 30.20% of all wind power production in Brazil, making it an important strategic energy hub for the country.

The opening of the Seminar was attended by the Governor of Rio Grande do Norte Fátima Bezerra; the President of CEBDS, Marina Grossi; the Vice President of Neoenergia, president of the Council of the National System Operator (ONS) and Vice-Chair of the UN Global Compact, Solange Ribeiro; the Planning Director of Banco do Nordeste, José Aldemir Freire; and the CEO of Equinor Brazil, Veronica Coelho

.