In an era marked by the urgent need for energy transition and sustainable practices, Rio de Janeiro takes a significant step towards the future. The wonderful city, known for its natural beauty, now stands out for an innovative initiative: transforming an old landfill into a solar energy plant.
The project, called “Solário Carioca”, will be installed in the old Santa Cruz landfill. This initiative is the result of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) won by the RIO DE JANEIRO SOLAR Consortium, composed of the companies GNPW Group and V-Power Energia. The photovoltaic plant will occupy land previously destined for waste disposal, which is now becoming a symbol of renewal and sustainability.
The energy produced will be directed to supply public properties, generating savings for municipal coffers. To give you an idea of the impact, this energy could power approximately 45 municipal schools or 15 Emergency Care Units (UPA).
Solarium Carioca is more than just a solar plant. It represents a paradigm shift, aligned with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles and the global agenda to combat climate change.
COP27 and organizations such as IRENA and IPCC have emphasized the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With the implementation of this project, it is expected to remove around 40 thousand tons of carbon from the atmosphere annually.
The transition to clean and renewable energy sources is a global demand. Solar energy stands out as one of the main alternatives to achieve this goal. According to data from Absolar, solar energy is one of the fastest growing sources in Brazil, and projects such as Solário Carioca reinforce this trend.
In addition to the positive environmental impact, the project also brings economic benefits. Over the next 25 years, the consortium will invest around R$40 million in the project, which will have a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW). This translates into more than 11 thousand solar panels that will be installed, strengthening distributed generation in the country.
Companhia Carioca de Parcerias e Investimentos (CCPar) highlights that the project represents a milestone in the city’s energy transition, highlighting the multiple benefits, from the production of clean energy to the sustainable reuse of land that was previously unused.
In conclusion, Solarium Carioca is an inspiring example of how it is possible to transform challenges into opportunities. Landfills, which were previously seen as just environmental problems, can now become solutions to the energy and climate crisis we face.
The Municipality of Rio de Janeiro shows that, with vision and strategic partnerships, it is possible to build a more sustainable and promising future for everyone.
Comment