By Leticia Fucuchima
SAO PAULO (Reuters) – Neoenergia (BVMF:) said on Monday it had signed an agreement with subsidiaries of CCR (BVMF:) for the self-production of wind energy, the first of its kind signed by the mobility and which will allow meeting 60% of the company’s current energy needs.
The partnership, signed with the CCR concessionaires who manage the São Paulo and CPTM metro lines, involves the sale by Neoenergia of minority shares in the wind farms of the Oitis complex, located in Piauí, for a value of 21 .7 million reais.
According to the companies, an average 44 megawatts (MWm) of Oitis’ production will be used for the energy consumption of CCR’s branches for a period of 16 years, with supply starting in January 2025.
Self-generation energy projects are gaining traction among large companies looking to decarbonize their operations in Brazil. According to the model, the energy consumer buys shares or invests in a plant together with the electricity company, becoming a self-producer. This guarantees some incentives that reduce the costs of production factors, such as discounts and exemption from paying sectoral charges.
CCR specified that this agreement integrates the commitment to supply 100% of its assets from renewable energy sources by 2025, an objective achieved this year with initiatives such as the migration to the free energy market, the purchase of energy certificates renewable energy (IREC) and investments in distributed solar generation.
For Neoenergia, the deal ensures long-term revenue stability with ”adequate profitability” and strengthens the investment strategy in a renewable generation park, Hugo Nunes, executive director of the electricity company’s Liberalized Business, said in a statement.
The closing of the operation is subject to the approval of the competent bodies, such as the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade).
Title: Harnessing the Wind: A New Era for Energy in Transportation
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. We have with us Leticia Fucuchima, an expert in energy sustainability and renewable resources. Leticia, there’s exciting news about Neoenergia’s partnership with CCR for self-produced wind energy. Can you explain why this partnership is significant?
Leticia Fucuchima: Good morning! Absolutely, this is a landmark agreement. Neoenergia’s move to self-produce wind energy not only illustrates a shift toward renewable resources in the transportation sector but also sets a precedent for other companies. By generating 60% of CCR’s energy needs through this partnership, they’re taking a major step towards reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainability within public transportation.
Editor: That’s a great point. Many people might wonder about the immediate benefits of such a partnership. How does this project directly impact daily commuters in São Paulo?
Leticia: The most direct impact will be seen through potentially lower operational costs for the metro lines, which can translate into cheaper fares or better services for commuters. Additionally, it sends a strong message about the importance of sustainability, encouraging more people to use public transport rather than private vehicles, thereby further reducing city congestion and emissions.
Editor: It’s interesting to see the ripple effects of this agreement. But from a logistical standpoint, what challenges do you think Neoenergia and CCR might face in implementing this wind energy initiative?
Leticia: One key challenge will be the initial investment and infrastructure development needed to harness wind energy effectively. They’ll also need to integrate this renewable source into their existing systems. Weather variability can impact energy production as well, so ensuring reliability during peak hours will be critical. Nonetheless, the long-term benefits far outweigh these hurdles.
Editor: Sustainability in public transport is becoming increasingly crucial globally. How do you see this partnership influencing other companies or sectors in Brazil and beyond?
Leticia: It could serve as a catalyst for others in the industry to reevaluate their energy sourcing strategies. Companies across various sectors may consider similar collaborations to enhance their renewable energy portfolios. As governments push for greener initiatives globally, this partnership exemplifies how private sectors can align with public policy efforts in tackling climate change.
Editor: Lastly, Leticia, what do you hope to see from this partnership in the next few years?
Leticia: I hope to see a successful rollout of wind energy that not only meets CCR’s needs but also inspires similar projects throughout Brazil. Ideally, we would see an increase in public transit ridership and a marked decrease in urban pollution levels, demonstrating that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Leticia. It’s exciting to think about the future of transportation and energy in Brazil. We’ll be sure to keep a close eye on how this partnership develops!
Leticia: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how this initiative unfolds.