Sustainable River Transport in the Amazon: Integrating Solar Energy into the Public Transportation System of the Manaus Metropolitan Area

Abstract

River transportation is an important mode of transport in the Amazon, especially in the Manaus Metropolitan Region, where rivers and waterways play a fundamental role in connecting communities and municipalities. However, the predominant use of fossil fuels in watercraft contributes to high operating costs, pollutant emissions, and environmental impacts. In this context, the integration of solar energy into public river transportation presents itself as an alternative for promoting more sustainable mobility. The objective of this study is to analyze the potential for integrating solar energy into the public river transportation system of the Manaus Metropolitan Region, considering environmental, technological, economic, and social aspects. The methodology adopts a mixed-methods approach—exploratory, descriptive, and propositional in nature—combining a literature and document review with the administration of a structured questionnaire to 105 participants in the Manaus Metropolitan Region, supplemented by direct observation and qualitative analysis of the results. The results indicate that the use of electric propulsion systems combined with solar power generation can contribute to reducing fossil fuel consumption, atmospheric emissions, and the operating and maintenance costs of vessels. However, the implementation of this technology presents challenges related to initial investment, charging infrastructure, energy storage, vessel adaptation, and technical training. It can be concluded that the integration of solar energy into river transportation has the potential to strengthen sustainable mobility in Manaus and its metropolitan municipalities, provided it is accompanied by public policies, infrastructure investments, technological innovation, and integrated planning, taking into account the environmental and territorial characteristics of the Amazon.