In Rio Grande do Norte, four public schools located in the municipalities of Lajes, Pedro Avelino, Caiçara do Rio do Vento, and Pedra Preta have been equipped with photovoltaic solar energy systems.
The initiative benefits approximately 1.100 students from early childhood education to elementary school and adult education in these institutions, selected by IFRN (Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Norte) based on criteria of vulnerability and the need to reduce costs.
It is estimated that savings on electricity bills will reach 50%, allowing the saved resources to be directed to Municipal Educational Funds to promote structural and pedagogical improvements in other local schools. The implementation of the project, entitled "Mulheres Mil" (Thousand Women), was completed by EDP.
With a total investment of approximately R$ 270, the company installed systems with a capacity of 49 kWp, composed of more than 30 panels that have been operating since December 2025.
The project focuses specifically on the area surrounding the Monte Verde complex, a region where the company already develops wind and solar power generation.
Qualification and Social Inclusion
Beyond the energy impact, the initiative sought to mitigate socioeconomic disparities through professional training. Twenty-nine women in vulnerable situations in the job market were trained in the Installation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Systems, a course held at IFRN with graduation celebrated in November.
As part of their practical learning, these women worked directly on assembling the signs at participating schools, such as the Rio dos Ventos Educational Center and the municipal schools João Bandeira Sobrinho, Raimundo Cavalcanti, and Doutor Eloy de Souza.
Community and Industry
Dominic Schmal, ESG Director at EDP South AmericaHe states that the project is an example of an inclusive energy transition that generates multiplied benefits for the community by enabling the redirection of financial resources to education.
This initiative is part of the global program “EDP YES – You Empower Society,” which brings together more than 500 social responsibility projects in various countries, such as the Solar Solidário project in Portugal and facilities in Spain.
With assets of R$ 41 billion in South America, the company reaffirms its commitment to diversity and sustainability, integrating gender equality indices and certifications of excellence in the workplace.
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