Giving families better living conditions.
The Closer2You program has the objective to fight social exclusion and improve life quality of people living in the surrounding premises of EDP Renewables’ wind parks, in the different countries it operates in. This initiative reflects the importance that the company gives to promoting social wellness and also the priority given to supporting local communities.
Closest to those who need it the most
For EDP Renewables (EDPR) - fourth largest producer of renewable energy in the world - is fundamental to provide for the society development, promoting access to energy by everyone, respecting human and labour rights, as well as creating value for different groups of people through several initiatives.
It’s in this line of action that the Closer2You program, launched in 2016, that enables certain families, that are living in unfavourable conditions, access to drinking water and electric energy, besides other improvements made in their homes. The projects that belong to this initiative are planned, minding the characteristics of each particular situation. For that effect, EDPR establishes agreements with local communities, based on dialogue, respect and mutual cooperation.
Since its launch, the initiative reached a global scale, having reached countries like Spain, Poland, Romania, Brazil and Portugal.
Muxía, Galiza
In 2021, there was a renovation of a house near a wind park developed by EDPR, in Muxía, Galiza. Several renovations were made in this house, that provided a considerable improvement of their livability conditions. Among them, the complete reform of the electric installation, as well as the refurbishment and kitchen appliances. Also, there was an installation of sewage system and hot water, and the gas network. Besides, all of the carpentry of the main facade was replaced and the walls and ceilings totally painted.
Aldeia Velha, Portugal
In Portugal, the intervention target was the house (without electricity, up until then) of an 85-year-old lady, located in the premisses of the EDPR’s wind park, in Beira Interior. The Closer2You team rebuilt the internal and outer walls of the house and replaced the roof and floors. They also installed drinking water and sewage systems, built a bathroom, and replaced doors and windows that, alongside the renovated roof, made improving isolation possible during the cold winter months.
Majdan Górny, Poland
Next to Tomaszów wind park, there is family with three small children living there, that were unable to keep a heated home during the winter. The Closer2You team rebuilt walls, replaced the roof, built a chimney and installed gas, electricity and sewage systems. The doors and windows were also replaced to ensure a better isolation for the cold winter months.
Gitirana Community, Brazil
The Closer2You team has rebuilt a house from scratch in a tiny community in Brazil, located at 4km from Babilônia’s Wind Complex and at 34km from the nearest town, in a village where only 22 families live. The isolated location and extremely dry weather present serious daily challenges. There is no sewage system, waste collection or health centers nearby.
Furthermore, the limited access to water and arid climate prevents agricultural production and economic activity. In these challenging conditions, a family of five people living in an unfinished house made of clay, with only one living-room, a kitchen and a bedroom. The precarious structure made the renovation of the foundation impossible. To provide this family a safe and structurally solid place to live, the house was completely rebuilt in two months.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) from the United Nations are part of the business strategy from EDPR. Through the Closer2You program the company supports the accomplishment of up to seven SDG, among which, the insurance of access to safe, sustainable and modern energy, as well as reducing the inequality in and between countries.
