- Eletrobras and Ocean Winds signed an MoU to explore offshore wind potential along Brazil’s coast, aiming to diversify Brazil’s renewable energy sources.
- The partnership could help Brazil meet rising clean energy demand and bolster its climate commitments despite regulatory and infrastructure development challenges.
Brazil aims to expand into offshore wind energy as Eletrobras, Latin America’s largest electricity provider, partners with offshore wind specialist Ocean Winds. Together, the companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to assess the feasibility of offshore wind farms along Brazil’s vast coastline.
Brazil ranks sixth globally in onshore wind capacity, yet it has not ventured into offshore wind energy. A primary obstacle stems from the absence of a regulatory framework for offshore wind projects, which leaves investors uncertain about permits and incentives. Through this MoU, Eletrobras and Ocean Winds plan to advance Brazil’s renewable energy portfolio, meeting the growing demand for clean energy locally and globally.
Ocean Winds, a joint venture between Portugal’s EDP Renováveis and France’s Engie, brings extensive expertise to the collaboration. With a record of successful projects in Europe and North America, Ocean Winds provides the knowledge to navigate Brazil’s offshore wind development challenges.
Brazil faces unique challenges in offshore wind. Offshore wind farms involve higher costs than onshore projects, requiring more complex installation, maintenance, and connections to the mainland grid. Analysts also highlight the need for a regulatory framework to support sustainable offshore wind development and attract investment.
By overcoming these obstacles, Brazil can incorporate offshore wind into its energy mix and aim to lead Latin America’s renewable energy sector. Brazil’s coastline offers significant wind resources to diversify energy sources and reduce carbon emissions in alignment with international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
This partnership with Ocean Winds signals Brazil’s commitment to renewable energy expansion, setting the stage for long-term clean energy growth. Offshore wind promises to be vital in achieving Brazil’s clean energy targets and strengthening its role in the global transition to renewables. With the rising global demand for sustainable energy, Brazil sees a critical opportunity to capitalise on its natural resources through this collaboration with Ocean Winds.
By advancing offshore wind, Eletrobras and Ocean Winds could accelerate Brazil’s position as a renewable energy leader, helping drive the region’s energy transition and fulfil its climate goals.