Problem Statement

Low-income communities in the Cerrado biome, starting with the Central-West region of Brazil, urgently need access to affordable and reliable solar energy. Clean energy is essential to reducing electricity costs, ensuring energy independence, and providing stable power for essential activities such as irrigation, food storage, and local businesses. By replacing costly and unreliable energy sources with solar power, we can increase agricultural productivity, improve economic resilience, and protect the Cerrado, Brazil’s most threatened biome, from unsustainable land use and climate-related vulnerabilities.

Target Group

The project targets low-income families, small local businesses, and community organizations in the Cerrado biome (such as Brasília and the surrounding Central-West region) that struggle with high electricity costs, unreliable energy access, and lack of sustainable energy solutions.

Proposed Solution

The Shapers of the Brasília Hub, led by Stefanie Ólives, in partnership with REVOLUSOLAR, are expanding the Solar Cycle initiative from Rio de Janeiro to Brasília and the Central-West region.

Stefanie Ólives is the founder and leader of the project within the Hub, currently supported by Shapers Roberto Júnior and Juliana Muniz.

This initiative ensures a just energy transition through solar power, enhancing financial sustainability, professional training, and community education. The project strengthens social inclusion and the circular economy while reducing operational costs.

Hub Activities

The project is already in planning phase, and the next steps focus on implementation in local communities of the Cerrado biome. Key activities include:

• Planning & Solar Potential Assessment – Selecting beneficiary establishments in Cerrado biome region based on social impact and technical feasibility.
• Community Engagement & Awareness – Conducting workshops for cooperative leaders and stakeholders on solar energy benefits.
• Training & Capacity Building – Educating professionals in solar system operation and maintenance, generating new job opportunities.
• Solar System Installation – Deploying solar energy systems in compliance with technical and regulatory standards.
• Impact Monitoring & Evaluation – Measuring financial and environmental benefits, assessing cost savings, and ensuring project scalability.

Short & Long-Term Goals

Short-term goals (within the first year):

• Implement the first solar systems in Brasília and surrounding areas (Cerrado biome regions).
• Increase community awareness about renewable energy and sustainability.
• Train and certify local professionals in solar technology and energy efficiency.
• Engage key stakeholders to strengthen sustainable energy adoption.

Long-term goals (beyond the first year):

• Expand solar energy access to more communities in the Central-West region (Cerrado biome).
• Reduce reliance on expensive and polluting energy sources.
• Strengthen energy autonomy and resilience for local communities.
• Build a robust renewable energy ecosystem through education and workforce development.
• Ensure long-term electricity cost reduction and increased energy stability for beneficiaries.

Available Metrics

The Solar Cycle initiative, led by REVOLUSOLAR and now expanding with the Brasília Hub, has already demonstrated significant impact. The project will measure success based on:

• kW/MW of installed solar capacity across multiple communities.
• Number of people impacted, including tracking whether they had access to energy before the project.
• Expansion to Cerrado biome communities in Brazil.

Revolusolar already achieved:

• Over 300 MWh of clean energy generated, reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
• 30+ tons of CO₂ emissions avoided, contributing to climate change mitigation.
• 84 professionals trained in solar technology, creating employment opportunities.

Collaborators

This project is supported by key partners that contribute to its success:

Revolusolar – Project technical expertise, and implementation strategy. EDP Institute – Funding and technical support. 
Instituto Clima e Sociedade – Advocacy and policy engagement.
Open Works Foundation – Capacity-building and community outreach. Honnold Foundation – Renewable energy expertise and funding support.