Solar smart grid as a path to economic inclusion and adaptation to climate change in the Brazilian Semiarid Northeast

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to exploit the abundance of solar energy resources for socioeconomic development in the semi -arid Northeastern Brazil as a potent adaptation tool to global climate change. It points out a set of conjuncture factors that allow us to foresee a new paradigm of sustainable development for the region by transforming the sun’s radiant energy into electricity through distributed photovoltaic generation. The new paradigm, as presented in this essay, has the transformative potential to free the region from past regional development dogma, which was dependent on the scarce water resource, and the marginal and predatory use of its Caatinga Biome. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a pre ante design, following the procedures of scenario building, as an adaptation mechanism to climate change in the sector of energy generation and socioeconomic inclusion. Findings The scenarios of socioeconomic resilience to climate change based on the abundance of solar radiation, rather than the scarcity of water, demonstrates its potential as a global adaptation paradigm to climate change. Research limitations/implications The developments proposed are dependent on federal legislation changes, allowing the small producer to be remunerated by the energy produced. Practical implications The proposed smart grid photovoltaic generation program increases the country's resiliency to the effect of droughts and climate change. Social implications As proposed, the program allows for the reversion of a pattern of long term poverty in semi-arid Northeast Brazil. Originality/value The exploitation of the characteristics of abundance of the semiarid climate, i.e. its very condition of semi-aridity with abundant solar radiation, is itself an advantage factor toward adaption to unforeseen drought events. Extensive previous research has focused on weighting and monitoring drought i.e. the paradigm of scarcity. The interplay between exploiting Northeast Brazil’s abundant factors and climate change adaptation, especially at the small farmer levels constitutes a discovery never before contemplated.

Solar energy policy to boost Brazilian power sector

“…Finding the IJCCSM 12,3 means of realizing this potential could be a way to alleviate poverty in the northeast region of Brazil. This idea is aligned with the arguments provided by Nobre et al (2019) that it is possible to change the paradigm and use in a better way the most abundant resource of the region: the sun.…”

COP26 Futures We Want - Brazil Country Profile

“…Another future solution to expand low-carbon electric generation in the country is to build a solar network in the Northeast. This region's semi-arid climate presents opportunities for extensive and intensive solar plants that could even be built and maintained with local labour, which would provide high-paid employment opportunities to the poorest region of the country 142 . Household solar units could also be a solution and, if they are manufactured in Brazil, could offer employment opportunities and domestic innovation.…”

Role of water infrastructure programs for family farmers in strengthening adaptive capacities to climate change: lessons from the Cisterns Program in Semi-arid Brazil

“…In 2015 and 2016, the Sobradinho reservoir reached less than 20% of the total volume (MILHORANCE et al, 2019). This worsened conflicts in the region because power generation prevails as a priority despite the high irrigation demands, causing losses to farmers and riverside dwellers and hindering the supply of food to urban areas (NOBRE et al, 2019). The already high global demand for water, together with the fact that irrigation is one of the strategies used for adaptation, will lead to more disputes in the face of climatic changes (HERWEHE; SCOTT, 2018).…”