Diversificação das fontes de geração de energia renovável na matriz energética de um país em desenvolvimento: estudo de caso da energia fotovoltaica no Brasil

Abstract

The general objective of this study was to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms driving the growth of photovoltaic energy in the Brazilian context, considering its possible impacts on the formulation of public policies, food production, and the development of the circular economy. The research sought to explore not only the dynamics promoting the advancement of this energy source but also to comprehensively understand the resulting implications of this growth in various aspects. The research addressed crucial dynamics on three fronts: 1) Evaluation of the role of public institutions in reducing emissions through photovoltaic systems. A broad literature review analyzed global photovoltaic energy policies, contrasting them with the Environmental Agenda in Brazilian Public Administration (A3P). Simulations quantified the reduction of CO2 by public institutions from 2009 to 2022. Low adherence to A3P was evident, with only 3% of public institutions integrating photovoltaic systems. Nevertheless, existing systems annually avoided the emission of 17,943 tons of CO2. The historical series highlighted that the country avoided 1,938,048 tons of CO2 from 2009 to 2022, emphasizing the need for long-term public policies for a sustainable transition. 2) An additional analysis focused on the introduction of photovoltaic systems in Brazilian agricultural areas. The study encompassed the review of 4,741 articles, aiming to evaluate public policies and specific regulations for this context, highlighting the notable absence of guidelines directed towards photovoltaic plants in areas dedicated to food production. Based on this scenario, the research proposed the promotion of collaborative dialogues between the government, rural producers, and the photovoltaic sector. The central objective of these interactions is to formulate policies that promote the sustainable integration of these technologies in agricultural areas, thus highlighting the valuable contribution of photovoltaic energy to the sustainable development of the Brazilian agribusiness. 3) Finally, the research projected the amount of photovoltaic waste in Brazil for the period from 2034 to 2065. The projection, based on the expansion of photovoltaic energy until 2040, indicated that Brazil could reach 192 GW of installed capacity. The urgency of an effective system to treat 12.9 million tons of waste, mainly in the central-southern region, proposing circular economy practices, was highlighted. In summary, the study revealed the need to establish an effective system for monitoring, collecting, and storing photovoltaic waste, proposing the implementation of circular economy practices in the industry as an approach to mitigate unintended consequences associated with photovoltaic energy. The studies addressed reveal a profound analysis of the growth and impacts of photovoltaic energy in the Brazilian context, highlighting a series of interconnected issues ranging from the effectiveness of public policies to the sustainable management of the waste associated with this energy source. The intersection of these themes underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities related to solar energy. On one hand, public policies play a fundamental role in promoting the sustainable transition to renewable energy sources, as evidenced by the low adherence to the Environmental Agenda in Public Administration and the need for specific regulations for the integration of photovoltaic systems in agricultural areas. Additionally, proper management of photovoltaic waste emerges as a critical concern, requiring effective monitoring, collection, and storage systems, as well as the implementation of circular economy practices to mitigate environmental impacts. This integrated approach not only enriches the debate on the sustainability of photovoltaic energy in Brazil but also points to crucial directions for its sustainable growth. Another contribution is that the developed methodology can serve as a replicable model for similar studies involving other renewable energy sources, expanding the scope of analysis and providing valuable insights for global public policies and industrial practices. Studies conducted in specific regions may bring even more significant data, considering the local nuances and socioeconomic particularities of different areas of the country. For academia, these studies provide a solid foundation for further research exploring the social, economic, and environmental implications of solar energy in Brazilian society. Investigating the impacts and opportunities emerging from the increasing adoption of solar energy can contribute to the formulation of more effective and sustainable policies and practices, thus promoting more equitable and environmentally conscious development. Additionally, based on the study, a technological product was developed that allows the calculation of the amount of carbon dioxide avoided by photovoltaic systems, in addition to making projections of future photovoltaic waste, providing essential tools for the continuous management and monitoring of these systems.