Background

The Brazilian NGO IDEAAS seeks to spread renewable energy solutions and encourage social entrepreneurship. A previous REEEP project funded the creation of its Learning Center for Renewable Energy and Decentralized Generation, located in a rural area of southern Brazil. This complex has given government and utilities hands-on proof that off-grid and decentralized energy are a viable and potentially profitable option for remote areas of the country.
 
In parallel, in the Amazonia region to the north, the Grupo Orsa runs the Jari Project, a 1.5 million hectare area that showcases how competitive and high-grade wood, pulp and paper can be produced using sustainable processes, under certified sustainable forest management.
 
A partnership between the two institutions can showcase how the IDEAAS business model can bring sustainable energy to communities in large privately-owned tracts of Amazonia where the government and the local utilities are not obligated to provide energy services.

Purpose

To set up a sustainable, profitable renewable energy company based on the IDEAAS business model in the Jari area of Amazonia

Main Activities

• Study the specific conditions in the Jari area and adapt the IDEAAS products, services and business model to local conditions
• Develop plan for transition from current non-renewable energy attracting “early adopters” to the sustainable energy pilot project
• Test market and launch solar home systems in the Jari area; refine business model according to learnings
• Acquire investors and launch the Amazonia Renewable Energy Company
• Develop and refine the outreach activities to replicate the concept to other company-owned areas in the Amazon

Expected Impact

• 60 communities with 1500 families and more than 100 decentralized energy plants from the Group Orsa converted to renewable energy sources
• Achieve diesel oil savings of at least 700,000 liters  per year
• Energy access widened to areas where no entity is obliged to provide grid access to consumers; a private sector complement to the Brazilian government’s “Luz para Todos” rural electrification programme
• Improved carbon footprint, creation of jobs and income prospects for local residents