Maní Project increases 70 of the production of cassava and its derivatives in the Chapada Diamantina region

Rio de Janeiro, August 14th, 2023 – Inaugurated in February, the two flour houses of the Maní social project, led by EDF Renewables Brasil, resulted in significant impacts for rural production and for the quality of life of the residents of Bonito and Mulungu do Morro, in Bahia. Launched by phases 1 and 2 of the Ventos da Bahia Wind Farm, the program provided a 70% increase in the production of cassava and its derivatives. In the last five months, the total production of cassava jumped from 89.6kg to more than 152kg, and the flour increased from 45.6kg to 77.6kg. In addition, the initiative also resulted in a 100% improvement in the marketing process of the products, generating income for about 450 families of rural producers.

With an investment of about R$ 1.3 million, financed through the BNDES Social Investment of Companies (ISE) line, and the result of studies conducted with the local community, the delivery of the production units further strengthened EDF Renewables’ socio-environmental and economic commitment to the region’s residents. The focus on cassava processing culture also helped to boost the productive capacity of the associations, promoting local sustainability.

Series of improvements and Course of Technical and Rural Assistance

With a built area of 290m², the flour houses are equipped with machinery that allows the efficient refinement of cassava, professionalizing a traditional activity of the region. From a project developed with the support of a team of experts and in a personalized way, a layout for the houses and a list of equipment to be used in the processing of cassava was validated, such as a mechanized oven and automatic grater. With the inauguration, it was realized that the production exceeded the expectations of the project, being necessary the construction of a second furnace in order to increase the productive capacity. In addition, to meet the demands of the productive associations, a photovoltaic power generation system was installed from solar panels on the roofs of the flour houses, resulting in an 80% reduction in electricity costs, which was extremely significant in the operation of the houses.

“It is very gratifying to witness the evolution of this project. The results meet our goal of generating improvements to the daily lives of people who live near the sites of our parks, making a positive impact on their quality of life. It is a great pride to see the training of farmers, to see them become multipliers and foster the local economy,” says Raíssa Cafure Lafranque, vice president of EDF Renewables Brazil.

In addition to the construction of the facilities and the donation of equipment, the Maní project also promoted the Technical and Rural Assistance Course (ATER) for local producers, in order to rescue techniques for planting, handling and harvesting cassava. Technical visits to other production units, also in the Chapada Diamantina region, also in Bahia, complemented the learning, providing a comprehensive view of the work of social organizations and their interactions with suppliers and rural producers.

“With the Maní project, we learned how to grow cassava correctly. We, farmers, are very happy with the inauguration of the long-awaited flour house and we especially thank EDF Renewables and everyone who was part of the project. Through this opportunity, we realized that Bonito has great potential for polyculture,” says Ana Lídia Macedo, a resident of the Cabeceira do Brejo quilombola community.

About the Ventos da Bahia Wind Farm

The park consists of three phases that add up to a total investment of R$ 1.85 billion, financed by BNB and BNDES. Ventos da Bahia has 108 wind turbines, with a total installed capacity of 365 MW and avoids the emission of about 360 thousand tons of CO2 per year – equivalent to the emission of more than 120 thousand vehicles in circulation per year. The asset was the first venture of EDF Renewables do Brasil and has several contracts for the sale of energy in the free market (ACL) and in the regulated market (ACR). Currently, Ventos da Bahia is controlled by EDF Renewables and Omega.

About EDF Renewables

EDF Renewables is an international energy company which develops, builds and operates renewable power generation plants. As a major player in the energy transition worldwide, EDF Renewables deploys, within EDF, competitive, responsible and value-creating projects. In every country, our teams show their commitment to local stakeholders every day, adding their expertise and capacity for innovation to the fight against climate change. At the end of 2022, EDF Renewables operates a net installed wind and solar capacity of 11.4 GW (18.5 GW gross) worldwide. Mainly present in Europe and North America, EDF Renewables is pursuing its development by taking a position in promising emerging markets such as: Brazil, China, India, South Africa and in the Middle East. Historically active in onshore wind and photovoltaics, the Company is now strongly positioned on offshore wind and floating wind as well as in new technologies such as energy storage, floating solar and agrivoltaism. 

In Brazil since 2015, EDF Renewables do Brasil is one of the country’s leaders in the renewable energy sector, totaling more than 1.8 GW in viable solar and wind energy projects in Bahia, Minas Gerais and Paraíba.

Press Agency of EDF Renewables do Brasil – Aliá RP

Érica Viana: erica.viana@aliarp.com.br

Maitê Rodriguez: maite.rodriguz@aliarp.com.br