Chafariz Neoenergia wind farm already has 135 active turbines. Construction generated jobs, economic, social and environmental benefits for the Northeast

Northeast of Brazil: Neoenergia started operations in the 15 parks of the Chafariz Wind Farm, in the Sertão da Paraíba, adding an installed capacity of 467,77 MW. This energy is equivalent to enough to supply 1 million people a year. There are currently 135 active turbines and, when all are in operation, the installed capacity will be 471,2 MW. Today, this is the company's largest wind farm in operation in the country and has almost doubled the company's portfolio in this clean source.

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"The Chafariz Neoenergia Wind Farm is one of our strategic projects to expand the generation of clean energy, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals to which we are committed. In 2022, we will have the milestone of tripling our portfolio of wind assets, reaching 1,6 GW, and reaching 90% of our installed capacity in renewables, with Chafariz highlighted in this processSays William Rodney, manager of renewable projects at Neoenergia,.

Watch the video below and check out the construction works of the 15 new wind farms in the Northeast

The first wind farm began operations in July 2021, 17 months ahead of the start of the contract in the Regulated Contracting Environment (ACR). The speed of delivery made Chafariz contribute to the generation of clean energy to reinforce the safety of the electricity sector during the water crisis.

In addition, it reinforces Neoenergia's position in executing its strategic plan and commitment to the project's rate of return. The complex has 61% of its energy allocated to the regulated market and 39% to the Free Contracting Environment (ACL), already part of the company's strategy to liberalize the Brazilian market.

Construction work on the Neoenergia wind farm generated more than 1400 jobs in the Northeast

The construction of the park has been generating, since 2019, economic, social and environmental benefits for the municipality of Santa Luzia and its surroundings. Of the more than 1,4 jobs created at the peak of the works, 40% were local labor. The company also promoted training courses with the aim of expanding opportunities for insertion in the labor market for residents of the region.

Neoenergia carried out several other socio-environmental actions, such as the installation of 117 photovoltaic panels with a monthly potential of 6.500 kWh at Maternidade Mãe Vinil and at Escola Municipal Manoel Rodrigues Pinto, located in São José do Sabugi, where there are also wind farms.

The energy from the photovoltaic systems has a production potential greater than what is needed to serve the health and education units, and the surplus produced will be reversed in credits for the electricity bills of two more institutions in the rural area of ​​the municipality. In the city of Areia de Baraúnas, the Public Square was renovated, including the planting of native seedlings.

Another benefit for the region was the renovation of the Miquilina Senhora das Neves Municipal School, in the rural area of ​​Santa Luzia, in which the company built a sports court and a new roof, installed air conditioning equipment and revitalized the internal and external areas. In addition, the company supported the Serra do Talhado Community Association of Black Louceiras, an entity formed by women from the Quilombola Community of Serra do Talhado Urbana, also in the municipality. The organization produces pieces of clay, such as pots and vases and, with the help of Neoenergia, can reformulate the visual identity, giving greater visibility to the work done by the artisans.

The company's commitment to economic development in the region was also demonstrated in the choice of suppliers. Among the main components of wind turbines, the blades were manufactured in Pernambuco and the nacelles in Bahia. This allows the generation of employment and income in these states.

Neoenergia is also building the Luzia Solar Complex in the Northeast, which will have a capacity of 149,3 MWdc and marks its debut in large-scale photovoltaic generation

Neoenergia's investments in the region continue beyond the Chafariz Wind Complex. The company is building the Luzia Solar Complex in the same region, which will have a capacity of 149,3 MWdc and marks its debut in large-scale photovoltaic generation. The two clean energy generation projects will be connected to the National Interconnected System (without) through the new Santa Luzia II substation, which is part of the transmission project acquired by the company in lot 6 of the auction held by the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) in December 2017, already in operation.

Neoenergia is also advancing with the construction of the Oitis Wind Complex, which will have 12 parks located between the states of Piauí and Bahia. With 567 MW of installed capacity, it will be its largest wind power project.