A study by Facebook to map the effects of the coronavirus on small and medium businesses showed that 47% of SMEs with social networking sites said they had at least a 25% increase in online sales between January and May. The survey also showed that 43% of business owners say they are optimistic about the future of the business. On the other hand, 52% believe that cash flow will be a challenge in the coming months.
The Itaipu hydroelectric dam will increase energy production starting Monday to help the Paraguayan soybean crop flow by water, the plant said. According to a statement from Itaipu, the measure, which will allow the export of 100,000 tons of Paraguayan grain, will remain in effect until Aug. 16.
Eletrobras, a state-owned company, plans to invest R$ 6 billion ($1.2 bn) per year until 2035 in the expansion of its power generation and transmission park, according to a strategic plan announced to the market. But the amount could more than double, to R$12.6 billion ($2.5 bn) per year, if the government’s plans to capitalize and privatize the company are successful.
BNDES will receive an injection of R$ 350 million ($ 70mm) from the Climate Fund, whose resources will be used to finance sanitation projects and solid waste collection. The fund was created in 2009 and allocates resources from the oil activity in the country to sustainable projects that help preserve the climate and reduce the emission of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect.
In a move similar to what happened in the 1990s and 2000s involving hydroelectric plants, large energy consumers are investing in wind and solar complexes to become self-producers. The sustainable appeal of energy sources each day becomes more relevant in the companies’ strategy of being “greener”. The goal is to have their own plants to supply their demand.
