Ecossistema circular: uma análise dos atores e de suas iniciativas circulares no setor de energia fotovoltaica do estado da Paraíba.

Abstract

One of the fastest growing sectors today is photovoltaic solar energy, and one of its biggest challenges is the lack of adequate disposal for defective components and modules at the end of their useful life. Therefore, the present work aims to analyze the ecosystem of the photovoltaic solar energy sector in the state of Paraíba (Brazil), from the perspective of the circular economy. This choice was made because Paraíba is in one of the regions with the greatest potential for solar generation in the country. In search of achieving the general objective, this work analyzed two distinct specific objectives, namely: 1 – Identify the main actors involved in the photovoltaic solar energy sector in the state of Paraíba (Brazil), their responsibilities and interrelations from the perspective of a circular ecosystem; 2 – Identify the circular initiatives of actors involved in the photovoltaic solar energy sector in the state of Paraíba (Brazil) and their facilitators and barriers to circular economy initiatives in this ecosystem. In this work, academic articles, administrative documents were analyzed, as well as interviews with members of the sector. The results point to an ecosystem in the photovoltaic energy sector in Paraíba with predominantly commercial, regulatory, and technical relationships. It also has a presence of research and solution development partnerships. Furthermore, the types of actors analyzed present participation in some circular actions, whether leadership, or indirectly with other functions, showing how the ecosystem begins to integrate in search of ecologically sustainable solutions. Finally, the work contributes to the approach of the recent circular ecosystem theory and presents a practical contribution to mapping the circular ecosystem, as studies on the subject are scarce. It also opens space for new research in the sector, new mapping in other sectors, refinement of the mapping carried out here, and search for new solutions and partnerships for the current ecosystem.