Sustentabilidade econômica da neutralização da pegada de carbono de sistemas fotovoltáicos: análise de caso da usina fotovoltaica da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU.

Abstract

This study analyzes the economic sustainability of the photovoltaic plant at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), aiming to quantify its carbon footprint through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and to evaluate the financial feasibility of its full neutralization. The research examines the "Geographical Paradox" of the energy transition, showing that embodied carbon from the manufacturing phase can offset the environmental benefits achieved during operation. The methodology comprised quantification of total emissions, estimation of the reforestation area required in the Cerrado biome for carbon compensation, and an economic analysis of costs integrated into the project’s cash flow. The results indicate that the plant’s carbon footprint, ranging from 696.47 to 1,511.34 t CO₂eq, requires a restoration area between 1.97 and 10.99 hectares. Monetization of this environmental liability reveals a substantial financial impact, representing 30.97% to 36.46% of total operational expenditure (OpEx). Grounded in Ecological Economics principles, the study concludes that clean energy project management must internalize supply chain costs to ensure full sustainability and alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.