Voltalia continues to grow in Brazil and supports the social and economic development of local populations

Voltalia (Euronext Paris, ISIN code: FR0011995588), an international player in renewable energies, has launched a number of social projects in Brazil promoting local development and social dialogue with the different populations

Voltalia is developing large-scale renewable projects in Brazil with wind, solar, hydro and hybrid clusters totalling 821 megawatts in operation and 701.2 megawatts under construction: the São Miguel do Gostoso farm in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (108 megawatts, in operation); the Oiapoque hybrid projects in the state of Amapá (23.5 megawatts, of which 7.5 megawatts under construction); the Canudos wind farms in Bahia State (99 megawatts under construction); and the large Serra Branca wind and solar cluster in Rio Grande do Norte State (688 megawatts of wind and solar plants in operation, plus 507 megawatts of solar capacity under construction). Serra Branca, with a potential of 2.4 gigawatts, is the largest wind and solar cluster in the world. This development of renewable energies continues with over 5 gigawatts of project pipeline under development.

The company is committed to ensuring that each project contributes to the development of the region by creating jobs, sustainable infrastructure, and by deploying social projects for the benefit of local communities. This commitment is at the heart of Voltalia's mission and what it has committed to by becoming a "Mission-driven Company" through its second mission objective: to contribute with the inhabitants to the sustainable development of the regions.

In Brazil, more than 170 social actions and projects have been carried out since 2014 and more than €2 million in investments have been made. For example, 40% of the workforce recruited during the construction phase are local employees, coming from the same city or town close to the renewable power plants.

In addition, Voltalia has created two initiatives to support its ambitious social projects. The first is a unique programme in Brazil: "Transformando com Energia" ("Transforming with Energy"). It aims to support the development of local workforce skills by financing free training for people living in the regions where the company operates. This initiative helps to increase the long-term employability of local communities. The courses offered are certified and pay particular attention to occupational health and safety.