Formation of an energy community in an urban periphery: a case study centered on photovoltaic generation

• Grant number: 22/15893-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date until: February 01, 2023
• End date until: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Telecommunications
• Principal Investigator: Hugo Enrique Hernández Figueroa
• Grantee: Miguel Angel Mendieta Sarmiento
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação (FEEC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/11380-5 - CPTEn - São Paulo Center for the Study of Energy Transition, AP.CCD

Abstract

The current world situation, undergoing profound transformation due to the covid-19 pandemic, poses serious questions regarding the environment, economic growth, energy and society. In this way, the efficient use of energy in favor of an equitable and sustainable development has become a very important issue, in order to compel reflections and actions in the search for solutions in the form of energy efficiency programs. In Brazil, the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) has for some years proposed procedures for such programs, and one of the possibilities refers to the reality of low-income populations. In this sense, actions in this area have historically been oriented mainly towards replacing old and inefficient equipment with new and efficient ones. However, such actions do not exhaust the possibilities, as they fail to consider not only aspects related to the ways of life and culture of low-income populations, but also new technologies available for harnessing renewable energies. Thus, this doctoral research proposal aims to study the feasibility of forming energy communities centered on photovoltaic generation, with a view to its application in energy efficiency programs for low-income populations. The concept of energy community expresses the involvement of people in the supply, demand and distribution of energy, whose results are shared among its members. This research project is characterized as a case study to be developed in the Northwest Region of Campinas, which has the lowest Human Development Index in the county. The project is defined as being an exploratory mixed methods project and intends to contribute to an interdisciplinary dialogue on the subject, as well as to contribute to the formulation of public policies for the socioeconomic development and well-being of the population. It also intends to contribute to the planning of energy efficiency programs, at a time when the whole world is turning to the issue of the environment and sustainability.