05.09.2025
CTG Brasil, one of the largest clean energy producers in the country, in partnership with Instituto Meio, is transforming the socioeconomic reality of four municipalities in Paraíba through the project “Usina de Negócios – Serra da Palmeira.” With a total investment of R$1.8 million in its own resources, the initiative aims to develop and strengthen local production chains, especially family farming and dairy goat farming, in the communities of Picuí, Pedra Lavrada, São Vicente do Seridó, and Nova Palmeira, as well as other nearby towns.
The project is part of CTG Brasil’s social investment strategy, which seeks to strengthen the communities located around its operations, including those near the Serra da Palmeira Wind Complex. Through training, access to seed capital, and the strengthening of local and regional networks, “Usina de Negócios” has created new opportunities for low-income populations and rural cooperatives.
“Our mission goes beyond power generation. CTG Brasil seeks to foster the country’s growth in a sustainable way, and a fundamental part of this is our commitment to the communities where we operate. We understand that we must go beyond what is required by local regulations and uphold our standards of excellence by addressing issues that affect surrounding populations. Our goal is to build a healthy and long-lasting relationship with communities while contributing to their development,” says Ronan Max Prochnow, CTG Brasil’s Sustainability & ESG Manager.
A structured, long-term project
The “Usina de Negócios” was created by CTG Brasil in 2020 and has already boosted income generation and quality of life for farming families in Santa Catarina and tourism entrepreneurs operating around the Jurumirim and Chavantes hydropower plants, in the Angra Doce region spanning municipalities in São Paulo and Paraná. The project falls under the Income Generation pillar of CTG Brasil’s ESG strategy, which also includes three other fronts: Education, Cultural Diversity & Brazil-China Relations, and Community Action.
The initiative is based on a methodology that prioritizes understanding local needs and building collective solutions. The Project has already completed key stages:
- Diagnosis: Data analysis and interviews with key local stakeholders, including public authorities, associations, and research institutions.
- Local mobilization: Creation of a Steering Committee with representatives from family farming associations, establishing a collaborative governance network.
- Strategic planning: Development of action plans focused on strengthening dairy goat farming, identified as the production chain with the greatest potential for immediate socioeconomic impact in the region.
Currently, the project is in the implementation phase, which includes training programs, infrastructure investments, network strengthening, and indicator monitoring. At the same time, its methodology and results are being systematized for future replication in other regions.
Overcoming local challenges
Despite adverse climate conditions and limited water access in the semi-arid Northeast, the project has managed to achieve significant improvements in the quality of life of farmers and their families.
The program provides support in several areas, including technical training, mentoring, business acceleration, incubation, and specialized consulting for entrepreneurs and production groups. It also makes financial resources available for seed capital investments, which are essential to overcoming local challenges.
Impact and prospects
Preliminary results already point to an increase in the average income of participants and the creation of new job opportunities in the region. The project has also strengthened ties between the communities and the company, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual development.
The expectation is that, once all planned stages are completed, “Usina de Negócios” will become a reference model in local economic development.
CTG Brasil’s strategy in the Serra da Palmeira Wind Complex region includes social and environmental investments that contribute to environmental preservation and long-term economic and social development. In total, there are 17 projects impacting more than 9,200 people, with approximately R$14 million invested in the region, through both direct resources and incentive laws.
