The Sebrae Rio conducted a survey on the potential for solar, wind, biogas, and hydrogen energy for micro and small businesses in Rio de Janeiro. The study revealed numerous opportunities for small businesses in the state, positioning it as the second-largest biogas producer in Brazil due to waste treatment centers that have implemented biomethane plants in locations such as Seropédica, Macaé, and São Pedro da Aldeia. The annual biogas production is 324 million m3/year, with the potential to reach 800 million m3/year.

Brazil is one of the countries with the highest solar irradiation levels globally, and photovoltaic solar energy is present in all municipalities across the 92 cities in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Rio ranks as the fifth state in Brazil for the quantity of installed solar systems, employed in over 48,000 households, for instance. The major concentration of energy companies and electrical installation/maintenance businesses is in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, housing approximately 13,600 establishments and potential users, while the state comprises 24,872.

Maíra Campos (pictured), the Sebrae Rio's Manager of Major Enterprises, stated, "Presenting the potentials for micro and small businesses to operate in the energy sector's supply chain contributes to the sustainable development of the industry in Rio de Janeiro."

The energy transition is a reality for some micro and small business owners. Leandro Neves, Operations Director at Endelev Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia, a company founded in 2013 offering solutions in initial diagnosis, development, and integration of photovoltaic projects and energy efficiency, engaged with Sebrae Rio during a business roundtable on the energy market. Presently, the company operates in three business units: energy, integrated management system consultancy, and environmental projects.

After accessing Sebrae's studies, Endelev Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia decided to intensify its focus on the Energy business unit. Neves mentioned, "Due to the need for market positioning and growth prospects in the photovoltaic market, the information obtained regarding regulatory aspects, the production chain, suppliers, logistical aspects, and business opportunities were identified as potential areas to be developed in renewable energies."

Wind energy is an endless source that allows for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and decreased dependence on fossil fuels. Currently, there are nine offshore wind energy projects in the environmental licensing phase in the North Fluminense region. Additionally, there is a wind energy generating plant in São Francisco do Itabapoana.

Hydrogen is considered one of the contenders for replacing fossil energy sources. Micro and small entrepreneurs can offer services for the following production chain: earthworks and trenching, construction, environmental impact analysis, and environmental certification.

Rio de Janeiro boasts eight hydroelectric plants, which, combined with the rest of the country, form the largest potential for clean energy in Brazil, as they do not produce greenhouse gases or long-lasting radioactive waste. Furthermore, with the Angra I and Angra II nuclear plants, the state of Rio de Janeiro is regarded as Brazil's nuclear HUB.

Access the studies released by Sebrae Rio through the following link:

SOLAR - https://loja.rj.sebrae.com.br/loja/biblioteca-digital/10120-estudo-levantamento-para-as-potencialidades-em-fotovoltaica-para-as-mpe-do-estado-do-rj

WIND -  https://loja.rj.sebrae.com.br/loja/biblioteca-digital/10121-estudo-levantamento-para-as-potencialidades-em-eolica-para-as-mpe-do-estado-do-rj

BIOGAS - https://loja.rj.sebrae.com.br/loja/biblioteca-digital/10122-estudo-levantamento-para-as-potencialidades-em-biogas-para-as-mpe-do-estado-do-rj

HYDROGEN - https://loja.rj.sebrae.com.br/loja/biblioteca-digital/10119-estudo-levantamento-para-as-potencialidades-em-hidrogenio-para-as-mpe-do-estado-do-rj