The Brazilian government and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) signed this Saturday (15), in Belém, a five-year partnership to expand access to renewable energy in the most isolated regions of the Amazon. The announcement comes amid the 30th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP30).
The agreement aims to eliminate energy poverty, in addition to strengthening the bioeconomy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
A pilot phase of the project began this year with GEAPP investing US$3 million. The goal is to triple this amount over the next three years through additional fundraising.
The partnership with the federal government has two fronts: supporting public policies to expand access to energy and income generation; finance pilot projects and offer technical and regulatory support.
>> Follow EBC’s coverage at COP30
Technology
In practice, the renewable energy system works based on microgrids, which are an energy distribution network with one or more generation sources.
In the case of the project in the Amazon, they will be community solar platforms with batteries. The GEAPP team carries out preliminary studies, such as the community’s energy diagnosis, to correctly size demands and what type of equipment is needed.
“We will build and install solar systems with batteries, a little larger than individual systems. This way, they will be able to supply income-generating activities, day and night. Surplus energy will be stored to allow production to continue even at night”, explains Luisa Valetim Barros, who leads GEAPP in Brazil.
After installation, control of the microgrids remains entirely with the community. Community leaders receive basic technical maintenance training.
The GEAPP team, together with the Sustainable Amazon Foundation (FAS), visited different communities to understand local needs and identify production potential.
“The idea is for the system to be associated with the community. They will be trained to carry out basic maintenance. What is more advanced will have technical support from the distributors”, said Luisa Barros.
“There were communities without the need for community productive use, so we went to another. We asked if they wanted to expand açaí production, put it on the market, or if there were areas for agricultural irrigation”, he added.
The main focus is on the so-called deep Amazon — areas without access to the electricity grid — especially in the states of Amazonas, Pará and Roraima, including indigenous communities.
Social inclusion
The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silva, highlighted that the partnership represents a milestone in the combination of social inclusion and climate commitment.
“Brazil is showing that it is possible to combine energy inclusion, climate responsibility and economic opportunity. This partnership with the Global Energy Alliance reinforces the national commitment to bringing renewable and universal energy to all Brazilian families. We are transforming climate ambition into concrete action”, said the minister.
The executive director of GEAPP, Woochong Um, reinforced that the agreement goes far beyond electrical infrastructure.
“We are proud to enter into this partnership to transform clean energy into an opportunity for communities across the Amazon. This goes beyond electricity — it’s about dignity, livelihoods and a fair future for every family. What we build in the Amazon can become a model for equitable electrification and inclusive growth across Latin America and beyond,” he said.
After COP30, the topic will continue to be highlighted at the 2nd Amazon Energy Workshop, scheduled for December in Manaus. The meeting will bring together authorities, concessionaires and international partners to discuss results of auctions for isolated systems and new clean electrification projects in remote communities.
