Brazil opens renewable energy research centre in Paraíba

On 19 May, the National Institute of the Semi‑Arid (INSA) in Paraíba inaugurated the Centre for Technology in Renewable Energies of the Semi‑Arid (CTERSA). The facility, funded with a R$ 34 million investment from the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT) via Finep, spans 2,205 m² of administrative and laboratory space.

CTERSA will focus on five priority areas – solar, wind, biomass, biofuels and low‑carbon hydrogen – and will also conduct research on water desalination, process automation, circular‑economy solutions, carbon capture and intelligent energy management. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Luciana Santos described the centre as a “milestone for science and innovation in the Brazilian Semi‑Arid”. Director Etham Barbosa said the hub will connect researchers, companies and public agencies to accelerate renewable‑energy solutions, while UFCG rector Camilo Farias highlighted its role in strengthening regional knowledge production.

The centre forms part of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s broader strategy, including the 2032 Strategic Agenda with more than 300 actions for solar, wind, biomass and hydrogen development, and the Vértice programme that supports deep‑tech projects across the 11 Semi‑Arid states. Between 2023 and 2025 the ministry has allocated over R$ 513 million to research, development and innovation projects in Paraíba, nearly tripling funding from the previous period.