Renewable energy planning policy for the reduction of poverty in Brazil: lessons from Juazeiro

The present work analyzes the Income and Energy Generation Program, authorized by the Brazilian National Energy Agency and implemented by Caixa Econômica Federal and Brasil Solair in two condominiums of popular housing. The method used is qualitative, applied, descriptive and exploratory. An extensive literature review was conducted as well as 18 interviews with specialists, agents from the electricity sector and representatives of the condominiums. Questionnaires were distributed to all residents to understand the energy consumption habits in the condominiums and the situation experienced throughout the program execution. For the data analysis, the triangulation method was used. In the results, the situation of the residents and five different opportunities to adapt the renewable energy system of the condominiums to current legislation are highlighted and analyzed. These include the rental of roofs and equipment or building a cooperative with other beneficiaries of social housing programs for remote energy compensation. In conclusion, the project could be improved to better fulfill the needs of the condominiums and their inhabitants, guaranteeing better use of investment in renewable energy and improving programs to alleviate poverty in Brazil.