Neoenergia and Ministry of Defense Forge Major Sustainability Partnership

Neoenergia and the Ministry of Defense have signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement aimed at advancing sustainability and reducing energy costs across military facilities. The agreement outlines plans to construct 10 solar power plants and replace 3.6 thousand outdated light bulbs with energy-efficient LED models in buildings used by the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The initiative will target facilities in the Federal District, Bahia, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, and São Paulo. The new solar plants, with a combined capacity of over 2.1 MWp and an estimated annual generation of 370 MWh/year, along with the LED bulb replacements, are expected to be completed by the end of 2024. This project will promote the use of renewable energy and is projected to reduce the military institutions’ electricity bills by R$ 2.1 million annually.

The agreement was signed by Eduardo Capelastegui, President of Neoenergia; Solange Ribeiro, Vice-President of Neoenergia; José Mucio Monteiro, Minister of Defense; and representatives from the three branches of the Armed Forces.

With an investment of R$8.8 million funded by Neoenergia’s Energy Efficiency Program (PEE), regulated by the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel), the project reflects Neoenergia’s commitment to sustainability and cost reduction. “This agreement with the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces is another step on Neoenergia’s path to sustainability,” said Eduardo Capelastegui. “Such partnerships showcase our dedication to decarbonization and cost efficiency.”

Minister José Mucio Monteiro expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, “This partnership is significant due to the sustainable energy examples it sets. I have always supported all forms of sustainable energy. Congratulations to all involved, and let’s continue moving forward.”

Neoenergia’s energy efficiency initiatives with the Armed Forces have been in place for over a decade. With a total investment of approximately R$12 million from the PEE, these efforts have led to the replacement of over 83,000 inefficient light bulbs and the establishment of five solar power plants, resulting in cumulative savings of around R$2.1 million for public coffers.