EDP brings solar energy to schools in Rio Grande do Norte

EDP, a company operating across all segments of the Brazilian electricity sector, has completed the implementation of the Mulheres Mil (A Thousand Women) project, which is bringing solar energy to four public schools in Rio Grande do Norte, with an investment of approximately R$ 270,000. The schools are located in the municipalities of Lajes, Pedro Avelino, Caiçara do Rio do Vento, and Pedra Preta, in the surroundings of the Monte Verde complex, where the company generates wind and solar power.

The solar energy systems have a total installed capacity of 49 kWp and are composed of more than 30 panels. They have been operating since December 2025 and are expected to generate around 50% savings on energy bills. These savings will be directed to the Municipal Education Funds, which were created and approved by local councils and will enable structural and pedagogical improvements in other educational institutions in these municipalities.

The institutions participating in the project were selected by the Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN), EDP’s partner in the initiative, based on their greatest need for reducing electricity costs, considering several factors such as vulnerability levels, number of students, other expenses, etc. Approximately 1,100 students from Early Childhood Education, Elementary School, and Youth and Adult Education benefit from these schools.
The participating institutions are: Escola Municipal Centro Educacional Rio dos Ventos (Caiçara do Rio do Vento), Escola Municipal João Bandeira Sobrinho (Pedra Preta), Escola Municipal Raimundo Cavalcanti (Pedro Avelino), and Escola Municipal Doutor Eloy de Souza (Lajes).

Women’s Training
In addition to bringing renewable energy and savings to educational institutions, the project also aimed to help reduce socioeconomic inequalities among women through access to education, thereby increasing opportunities for professional advancement.
Twenty‑nine women facing social vulnerability in the job market were trained between June and September in Installation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Systems. As part of the training, they participated in some stages of the installation of the solar energy systems in the four public schools included in the project. The course was held at IFRN, and the graduation ceremony took place in November.
The initiative benefits women, the community, and the industry, as it contributes to local economic growth by generating qualified labor and supporting the development of a more sustainable industry. It also promotes social inclusion and diversity in the workplace by offering training opportunities to underrepresented groups.