Connecting Energy Cooperatives Across the Americas
The ISC Energy Exchange Program is a unique international initiative designed to connect energy cooperatives, utilities, and industry leaders from Idaho and Santa Catarina through technical exchange, professional development, and strategic business opportunities.
This immersive nine-day program provides participants with direct access to Brazil’s cooperative energy sector, hydroelectric generation facilities, rural electrification models, and innovative approaches to energy distribution and sustainability.
Participants will engage with industry experts, visit operational facilities, exchange technical knowledge, and explore new opportunities for international collaboration and trade.
Why Idaho & Santa Catarina?
Idaho, USA
Santa Catarina, Brazil
Santa Catarina, Brazil
Idaho brings valuable expertise in:
✅ Hydroelectric generation
✅ Rural energy distribution
✅ Consumer-owned utilities
✅ Cooperative governance
✅ Grid reliability and resilience
✅ Renewable energy development
✅ Energy efficiency programs
✅ Advanced utility operations
Idaho’s cooperative and utility sector provides a strong foundation for meaningful knowledge exchange with Brazilian counterparts.
Santa Catarina, Brazil
Santa Catarina, Brazil
Santa Catarina, Brazil
Santa Catarina is recognized as one of Brazil’s most developed and innovative states in energy generation and distribution.
Highlights include:
✅ Extensive network of energy cooperatives
✅ Strong tradition of community-owned utilities
✅ Advanced hydroelectric infrastructure
✅ Growing investment in renewable energy
✅ High-quality technical workforce
✅ Modern energy distribution systems
✅ Successful cooperative business models serving thousands of consumers
The state has become a national reference for how cooperatives and utilities can work together to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.
Program Structure (30 Days in Brazil)
Hydroelectric Power Plant Technical Visits
Hydroelectric Power Plant Technical Visits
Hydroelectric Power Plant Technical Visits
Participants will visit leading hydroelectric facilities throughout Santa Catarina to gain firsthand knowledge of generation technologies, dam operations, maintenance practices, environmental management, and grid integration. These visits provide valuable opportunities to compare operational models, discuss challenges, and exchange technical expertise with Brazilian energy professionals and plant managers.
Energy Cooperative Leadership Exchange
Hydroelectric Power Plant Technical Visits
Hydroelectric Power Plant Technical Visits
Delegates will engage with executives, board members, and technical teams from energy cooperatives across Santa Catarina. Through meetings, presentations, and roundtable discussions, participants will explore cooperative governance, member engagement, financial sustainability, workforce development, and innovative approaches to delivering reliable and affordable energy services.
Innovation and Renewable Energy Workshops
Business Development and Partnership Forum
Business Development and Partnership Forum
A series of workshops will bring together experts from Idaho and Brazil to discuss emerging technologies, renewable energy integration, smart grid solutions, energy storage, digital transformation, and sustainability initiatives. These collaborative sessions encourage knowledge sharing and help identify practical solutions applicable in both regions.
Business Development and Partnership Forum
Business Development and Partnership Forum
Business Development and Partnership Forum
The program includes networking events and business matchmaking sessions designed to foster international partnerships. Energy companies, cooperatives, equipment suppliers, and service providers will explore opportunities for trade, investment, technology transfer, and future collaboration, creating a foundation for long-term economic and technical cooperation.
INSTITUTIONAL VISITS TO LOCAL COOPS
SUPPORTED BY
FECOERUSC (Federation of Energy Cooperatives of Santa Catarina) represents 22 electric cooperatives serving more than 1 million people across the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Together, its member cooperatives operate thousands of kilometers of distribution networks and play a vital role in rural electrification and regional development. FECOERUSC promotes innovation, technical excellence, workforce training, and sustainable energy solutions while strengthening cooperative governance and ensuring reliable, high-quality energy services for communities throughout the region.
The Organização das Cooperativas do Estado de Santa Catarina (OCESC) is the leading representative body for cooperatives in Santa Catarina, Brazil, uniting a robust network of more than 256 cooperatives and over 4 million members. With an estimated annual revenue of approximately US$20 billion across its cooperative system, OCESC plays a strategic role in advancing sustainable growth, strengthening governance, and promoting innovation across the sector. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, OCESC enhances competitiveness and drives significant economic impact, positioning Santa Catarina as a global reference in cooperative development and excellence.
Chapecó is one of southern Brazil’s most important energy and industrial centers, serving as the economic hub of western Santa Catarina. The region benefits from significant hydroelectric generation capacity, modern energy distribution infrastructure, and a strong network of electric cooperatives. Supporting a thriving agro-industrial economy led by poultry, pork, and food processing, Chapecó relies on reliable and sustainable energy systems to power hundreds of industries, processing facilities, and rural operations. The city continues to invest in energy efficiency, grid modernization, and renewable energy initiatives that support long-term economic growth and regional competitiveness.
The Pollen Science and Technology Park is a leading innovation hub in western Santa Catarina, fostering the development of advanced technologies for energy, agribusiness, and industry. By connecting universities, research institutions, startups, utilities, and private companies, Pollen promotes collaboration in areas such as renewable energy, smart grids, digital transformation, and sustainability. The center supports technology transfer, business incubation, and applied research, helping drive innovation and strengthen the competitiveness of one of Brazil’s most dynamic economic regions.
Benefits and Opportunities
Professional Benefits
Organizational Benefits
Organizational Benefits
🚀 Access to international best practices
🚀 Exposure to innovative energy solutions
🚀 Expanded technical knowledge
🚀 Professional development opportunities
🚀 Benchmarking against successful organizations
Organizational Benefits
Organizational Benefits
Organizational Benefits
🚀 New strategic partnerships
🚀 Potential supplier relationships
🚀 Technology transfer opportunities
🚀 Enhanced operational efficiency
🚀 Access to international networks
Economic Benefits
Organizational Benefits
Economic Benefits
🚀 Exploration of trade opportunities
🚀 Identification of investment prospects
🚀 Development of cross-border business relationships
🚀 Support for long-term market expansion
CONTACT US
We are committed to maintaining open communication with our clients. If you have any questions about our services or would like to know whether we meet your specific needs, do not hesitate to send us a message or call us. We are always happy to connect with new clients!
Apex Coop Academy
408 South 8th Street, Boise, ID 83702, USA
