EDP reinforces energy transition actions with investment of R$ 7 billion in South America
EDP, a company that operates in all segments of the electricity sector, released its Annual Sustainability Report, in which it highlights the actions it has led in South America to strengthen renewable sources and adapt to climate change, also involving communities. The company plans to invest R$ 7 billion between 2025 and 2026 to accelerate the energy transition, consolidating its operations in solar and wind projects and expanding its presence in the grid segment.
In generation, the milestones contributed to EDP ending 2024 with a 100% renewable portfolio in South America. The company energized 25 distributed solar generation plants and put into operation large-scale projects, such as Catanduba Eólico (RN), Monte Verde Solar (RN) and Novo Oriente Solar (SP), in Brazil, and the Punta de Talca Wind Farm, in Chile.
On the transmission front, the company won lots 2, 7 and 13 at Aneel Auction 01/2024, which are under construction in the states of Bahia, Maranhão, Piauí and Tocantins, in addition to having energized lots 1 and 2, in the North region, with an investment of more than R$ 700 million. The projects expand EDP's presence to different regions of Brazil and are essential to contribute to the country's energy security, given the growth in occurrences of curtailment in Brazil in 2024, which made the need to accelerate the expansion of regional connections through transmission lines even more latent.
In distribution, in the concessions of São Paulo and Espírito Santo, EDP invested R$ 1.5 billion in 2024. In addition, the company announced continuous investment, until 2030, of R$ 10 billion in the two states with a focus on digitalization, infrastructure modernization, network automation, service quality and combating energy losses.
Innovation as a key element for the energy transition
Innovation continues to be perceived by the company as a path to sustainable growth and energy transition, and is implemented through a strategy that focuses on the management and development of new businesses and processes, relationships with the innovation ecosystem and fostering an internal culture of innovation.
In 2024, R$ 21.6 million was invested in Research and Development (R&D) of new products and services that generate operational efficiency and new revenue. Within the scope of open innovation, the company connected with more than 50 startups during the year, which resulted in 14 active PoCs. Proof of Concepts are an experiment to list hypotheses, test them and measure their effectiveness in a practical way.
Social investment
The report also highlights the company's commitment to other ESG criteria. In 2024, the company allocated more than R$ 30 million to projects with social and environmental impact, directly benefiting more than 80 thousand people. These are actions that boost education, culture, health and energy transition.
These actions are detailed in the EDP Institute Annual Report, in which the company reaffirms its ongoing commitment to social development as a path towards a fair energy transition. The objective is to generate a positive impact on communities in the regions where the company operates through projects aligned with the needs of these communities and always connected to EDP's global strategy.
In 2024, R$ 33.8 million were invested, considering direct and incentivized resources, in 84 projects that directly impacted more than 80 thousand people and, indirectly, more than 230 thousand. An important milestone was the implementation of the new Strategic Plan, which guides the actions of the EDP Institute based on the pillars of Education for the Future and Energy of Tomorrow.
Projects aimed at bringing renewable energy to communities totaled 45 kWp installed last year for social development purposes, in addition to more than 200 educational activities focused on energy issues. Another highlight was the almost two thousand hours of training and education programs in various areas, with the aim of strengthening territorial development and expanding income generation opportunities.
In education, EDP seeks to contribute to the quality of basic education through better pedagogical practices and support for educators, ensuring that more students complete High School and have opportunities in vocational education. In 2024, 62 projects were supported and around R$ 23 million invested, benefiting more than 60 thousand people. The actions involve digital inclusion in schools, teacher training, reducing dropout rates, training young people, among others.
Investment in culture is also among the priorities in the ESG strategy. The company believes that valuing regional traditions can generate transformation and social development and leave a legacy for communities. In 2024, EDP supported 25 cultural projects in different locations and allocated more than R$12 million to events that promoted access to culture.