Renewable Electric Energy Sources and Quality of Life in Communities in the Marajó Island, Pará State

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the quality of life of communities in the Marajó Island, in the state of Pará, after the  deployment of alternative sources of electricity generation. Given the need  for a  sustainable use of sources of energy and the need for the social and economic inclusion of local population with limited energy access, the purpose of this study is to understand to  what extent the implementation of projects for the use of alternative energy sources in Marajo, especially biomass, solar and wind, has contributed to the life standard of local communities. The methodology was based on a field study that used open-ended interviews with members of four communities that used these alternative sources, corresponding to 397 respondents. The study found that communities reported high satisfaction with the new generation sources and noticed improvements in life quality through relative gains in income and access to household appliances. However, access to income only occurred substantially and permanently in one of the communities surveyed.