On the global stage, this year marks a pivotal moment in the realm of renewable energy, as investment in solar power is set to surpass the entire capital allocated to the oil industry for the first time, reaching a staggering $382 billion worldwide.
In a noteworthy development this year, Spain contributed 24% of its total energy demand through solar power, while Greece managed to cover a remarkable 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of its demand during the peak period on July 24th. These achievements have been hastened by recent events in Ukraine, which compelled Europe to accelerate its transition away from cheap Russian gas.
In Brazil, solar energy presents significant potential due to the abundant sunlight the country enjoys year-round. Furthermore, government policies have actively encouraged the use of this energy source, reducing dependence on non-renewable sources and offering financial advantages.
In the current year, solar power generation in Brazil has propelled this energy source to the second position in the installed capacity ranking, with 32.5 GW. One contributing factor has been the operational capacity of large solar farms surpassing the 10 GW milestone in August, while small-scale solar installations have added an additional 22.5 GW.
Despite this milestone, solar energy still lags behind wind energy in terms of electricity production, holding the third position. According to Rodrigo Sauia, co-founder and CEO of Absolar, the implementation of solar energy is pivotal for driving the energy transition and industrialization of the country, in addition to revitalizing the economy. He further asserts, "Solar power is part of this solution and a true driver of opportunities, new jobs, and income for citizens."
Due to the numerous benefits it provides, residential solar installations have become increasingly attractive and viable, primarily because of the energy savings they offer and the subsequent reduction in electricity bills. Moreover, properties with solar installations experience an appreciable increase in market value.
Ronaldo Koloszuk, president of Absolar, underscores this point, saying, "When you implement a new policy, it usually incurs costs. In the case of solar energy, you are implementing a cost-reduction policy. It is the gateway to a green economy."
In light of the growing emphasis on renewable energy, many companies are focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to integrity through social and environmental programs, which can yield both direct and indirect profits. In line with this trend, Nextron and Orla Rio have developed the "Solis" project.
The primary goal of this project is to democratize sustainable energy for kiosk operators along the entire Rio de Janeiro coastline. According to Pitanguy, CEO of Nextron, through this partnership, they deliver solar energy via a subscription system, utilizing their solar farms for energy generation and distributing it to establishments that can join the program through a mobile application.
This approach allows companies to avoid the high costs associated with establishing their own renewable energy infrastructure. Additionally, according to a Sebrae survey, electricity expenses for businesses can account for up to 20% of their overhead, making participation in this project a mutually beneficial endeavor for both the kiosks and the energy providers.
Furthermore, aside from the financial gains, this initiative anticipates a reduction in the emission of six million CO2 tons monthly, equivalent to saving 2,772,257.18 liters of fuel, according to the company's analyses, thereby making a significant contribution to the environment.
Despite all these developments, Roberto Brandão, a researcher at UFRJ, believes that solar energy in Brazil is still in its early stages. However, if the current momentum persists, especially with government support, this energy source will become accessible to all in the coming years. In summary, Brazil has the potential to lead in this energy transition, reducing energy costs and simultaneously aiding the environment as a whole.
References: (in Portuguese)
Estamos gastando mais em energia solar do que na produção de petróleo pela 1ª vez (terra.com.br)
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