Guaratinguetá receives EDP’s energy transition project, with solar power in school and community training
With an investment of R$ 351,000, the initiative also included other actions such as workshops and a community garden, involving more than 140 students from Ernesto Quissak State School
The municipality of Guaratinguetá, in São Paulo State, has recently received an energy transition project called Energia Viva, which is now nearing completion. The initiative, carried out by EDP, a company operating across all segments of the electricity sector, received an investment of R$ 351,000 and included the installation of a solar energy system at Ernesto Quissak State School. This made the institution’s operations more sustainable through the use of renewable energy and helped reduce electricity costs. Between May and July, savings amounted to approximately R$ 1,300, which the school can allocate to other priority needs.
Community training, with a focus on women, is also part of the project, aiming to prepare participants for so-called “green jobs”. With the goal of promoting social inclusion and income generation through entry into the job market, technical training in Installation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Systems is underway. The course, conducted in partnership with Senai, has a workload of 160 hours and includes 25 participants, 18 of whom are women. Classes began in July and are expected to conclude in October.
Environmental education and circular economy
In July, the community garden was completed. This initiative aligns with one of the project’s goals: to promote environmental education and circular economy practices, as well as encourage the consumption of healthier foods. Over several months, high school students and teachers from Ernesto Quissak State School participated in theoretical and practical workshops, conducted in partnership with the Celebreiros association. Topics included energy conservation, energy efficiency, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), garden construction and maintenance, planting techniques, circular economy, among others.
The implementation of the community garden, which uses a rainwater reuse irrigation system, involved around 140 students and teachers who were able to apply the concepts learned during the workshops. To further embrace circular economy practices, students created compost bins to transform organic waste generated at the school into natural fertilizer for use in the garden.
Empowering and Solidary Energy
The project Energia Viva: Integrating the SDGs in Schools was the winner of the Energia Solidária call for proposals, promoted by EDP in 2023. The initiative aims to develop projects that address the needs of vulnerable communities regarding energy access, energy efficiency, and the fight against energy poverty. The call complements other EDP initiatives as part of the global program Y.E.S. (You Empower Society), which supports social responsibility projects for a just energy transition. The project began in August 2024 and is now in its final phase with community training. To celebrate the project’s achievements, an event was held on July 24 at Ernesto Quissak State School, featuring recreational activities and workshops, bringing together around 180 people.
“We are working to lead a just energy transition that is accessible and inclusive. To achieve this, we aim to promote sustainable economic development in the communities where we operate, joining forces and delivering results that leave a lasting legacy, as the benefits continue even after the projects end,” explains Dominic Schmal, ESG Director at EDP in South America.