Steel producer Gerdau is expanding the use of solar energy in its commercial units and, by the end of this year, more than 15 of its units will start using renewable energy

The distributor of steel products, Comercial Gerdau, will use solar energy in eleven of its commercial units starting this year. With the use of the solar energy distribution contract, 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 use 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, buffering and adapting energy management and climate change are essential topics, which include the use of actions that increase the efficiency of processes and the prioritization of alternative energy sources.

Efficient electricity management generates several positive benefits for reducing polluting 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 will be able to generate a 44% reduction in emissions associated with Comercial Gerdau per year and, in addition, reduce costs by 10%.

According to the Executive Director of Comercial Gerdau, Mauro de Paula, the economy was taken into account, however the initiative does not take this factor into account. Mauro says that what led the company to operate with the use of solar energy in its commercial units was the concern for the environment and also to fulfill the sustainable missions assumed by the company in its ESG strategy.

Policies aimed at sustainability have a strategic vision in the steel producer, bearing in mind that the agenda will lead the company towards a promising future. Mauro highlighted that the company is committed to making a difference in society, as it understands that it is the right thing to do.

15 commercial units of the company will use solar energy for steel production later this year

For this change, Comercial Gerdau started to form the Consortium for Shared Generation of Electric Energy, for use in its commercial units that operate in low voltage.

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

Get to know Gerdau

This month, Comercial Gerdau is completing 51 years of foundation in the midst of the celebration of the 121 years celebrated 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, supporting it to become one of the leaders in steel distribution in the country. Currently, the company is present throughout Brazil through more than 70 own stores, customer relationship centers and regionalized commercial teams.