Steel Producer Gerdau Expands Use of Solar Energy in Eleven of Its Business Units

Steel Producer Gerdau Is Expanding Solar Energy Use in Its Commercial Units and, By the End of This Year, More Than 15 of Its Units Will Operate with Renewable Energy

The steel product distributor, Comercial Gerdau, will use solar energy in eleven of its commercial units starting this year. With the use of solar energy distribution contracts, the commercial units in the municipalities of Barreiras (BA), Feira de Santana (BA), Juazeiro (BA), Caruaru (PE), Juazeiro do Norte (CE), Recife (PE), Salvador (BA), Varginha (MG), Sinop (MT), Governador Valadares (MG), and Volta Redonda (RJ) will utilize renewable energy generated and distributed by photovoltaic solar energy concessionaires.

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Gerdau Will Reduce Gas Emissions by 44% in Steel Production

For Gerdau, the mitigation and adaptation of energy management and climate changes are essential topics, including the use of actions that increase process efficiency and prioritization of alternative energy sources.

Efficient electricity management brings various positive benefits for reducing pollutant gas emissions, contributing to the environment. In addition to solar energy being a renewable energy source that does not generate environmental impacts, the estimate is that the steel producer’s project can achieve a reduction of 44% in emissions related to Comercial Gerdau per year and, moreover, reduce costs by 10%.

According to Mauro de Paula, the Executive Director of Comercial Gerdau, cost savings were considered, but the initiative does not aim at this factor. Mauro states that the company’s use of solar energy in its commercial units was driven by environmental concerns and to fulfill the sustainable missions assumed by the company in its ESG strategy.

Sustainability-focused policies have a strategic vision at the steel producer, as the agenda will lead the company toward a promising future. Mauro emphasized that the company is committed to making a difference in society because it understands that it is the right thing to do.

15 Commercial Units of the Company Will Use Solar Energy for Steel Production This Year

For this change, Comercial Gerdau has begun to join the Shared Electric Energy Generation Consortium for use in its commercial units that operate at low voltage.

Previously, the distributors used electricity generated by hydroelectric or thermoelectric plants. The sustainable initiative of the steel producer estimates that, by the end of this year, more than 15 units are expected to switch to the same model.

Get to Know Gerdau

This month, Comercial Gerdau is celebrating its 51st anniversary alongside the celebration of the 121 years marked by the steel producer on the 16th of last month.

The initiative was essential for the company’s entry into the steel sales and distribution sector in the country, helping it become one of the leaders in steel distribution nationwide. Currently, the company is present throughout Brazil with more than 70 owned stores, customer relationship centers, and localized sales teams.