Social Feasibility in the Adoption of Renewable Energy: A Case Study of REGSA Project

Abstract

Promoting Renewable Electricity Generation in South America (REGSA) is a project that aims at increasing the use of electrical energy obtained by means of renewable power generation in South America. It is a way to improve the environmental conditions, enhance energy security, and alleviate the poverty in the project areas. The REGSA project goals and objectives include: (i) to identify and disseminate the technical and socioeconomic potential for generating renewable energy power in the target countries; (ii) to raise awareness and provide support to the regional dialogue between public and private key actors and decision-makers about renewable electricity generation in the target countries; (iii) to support selected pilot communities in the development and implementation of viable renewable electricity generation projects; and (iv) to contribute to the polycentric integration of Brazil, Chile and Bolivia, as South-American countries, by developing experiences, which may replicate elsewhere in the region. In this context, the University of Southern Santa Catarina is developing a pilot module to establish a microhydroelectric system (MHS) in Rancho Queimado, a rural area in the State of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. As a first step for the implementation of the MHS, a social feasibility study was conducted among the local population. The purpose of this survey was to measure the reaction of the population to the project that is going to generate energy for a local elementary school, and to raise awareness of the renewable power generation as well as support the dialogue between public and private key actors and decision-makers in this field.