Environmental licensing proposal for large photovoltaic plants: a case study with the micro solar plant cooperative in the region of Paragominas, Pará

Abstract

The concern with climate change in recent decades has had an effect on the diversification of the Brazilian electricity matrix. This diversification is due to the growth trajectory of the energy scenario with renewable energy sources in Brazil (Wind, Biomass and Solar) since the 1990s and with ECO-92 and the Kyoto protocol. Brazil is a pioneer in producing its own energy in a sustainable way, which brings benefits to the country, with the low emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The experience of photovoltaic solar energy in the country took place through small units, however it has been growing since 2012, with installation on roofs, from micro plants to large plants, and this technology causes less environmental impact compared to generation sources traditional energy sources, for example, hydroelectric plants. There is still no federal legislation that establishes minimum criteria for licensing large-scale photovoltaic plants, because, as it is a sustainable energy with positive impacts, this type of generation is seen with disparity and causes uncertainty in the licensing process. This insecurity, added to the lack of a device, can make a large-scale photovoltaic project unfeasible due to the increase in costs and terms resulting from the difficulty in approving studies, certifications and environmental licensing. That said, this research made a case study of UFV COOBER, located in Paragominas/PA, operating with an installed power of 75 kWp, where there was a waiver of environmental licensing of the enterprise, in order to estimate environmental impacts of implementation, maintenance, estimation of CO2 avoidance and recycling of UFV.