An innovative collaboration was announced between Ocean Winds (OW) and Eletrobras, signed in São Paulo, during the prestigious event Brazil Wind Power. The initiative seeks to explore Brazil's potential in the offshore wind energy sector, bringing together the vast experience of both companies.
Brazil has stood out worldwide for its capacity to generate renewable energy, especially in wind industry. With abundant natural resources and an extensive coastline, the country has the perfect scenario to become one of the main producers of offshore wind energy in the world.
With this vision in mind, the partnership between Ocean Winds and Eletrobras was developed to take advantage of the full potential of the Brazilian territory. Ocean Winds, a joint venture created by EDP Renováveis (EDPR) and ENGIE, has demonstrated significant growth since its creation in 2020, operating in several countries with an impressive global portfolio of 18,5 GW. Eletrobras, in turn, is the largest power generation and transmission company in Latin America, with vast expertise in the sector.
The objectives of the agreement
The partnership between the two energy giants aims to:
- Camorim launches C-Falcão azimuth tugboat, projecting a MEGA revolution in the maritime sector, challenging the limits of the maritime industry. Will the company raise the bar in relation to the competition?
- Brazil could become the world’s largest offshore wind energy hub! Discover the game-changing partnership that’s making it happen:
- Enseada Shipyard in Maragogipe: 80 barges, 300 jobs and R$1 billion invested – will Bahia revive the Brazilian naval industry?
- Foresea's Norbe VIII drillship returns to sea after 84 days: find out how this thorough maintenance made it even more powerful for deep-water challenges!
- Exploring opportunities in the Brazilian offshore sector: Focused on harnessing Brazil's potential for offshore wind projects.
- Develop innovative and sustainable solutions: Strengthen Brazil's transition to renewable energy sources.
- Contribute to the country's economic growth: Generate jobs and stimulate the development of local supply chains.
How does Brazil benefit from this collaboration?
Brazil, with its vast coastline and constant winds, has favorable conditions to expand its offshore wind energy projects. The agreement between Ocean Winds and Eletrobras opens doors to:
- Sustainable development: Reducing dependence on non-renewable sources and promoting a cleaner energy matrix.
- Energy security: Ensure a constant and stable energy supply to meet the country's growing demand.
- Job creation: The implementation of large-scale projects, such as offshore wind energy, creates opportunities in several areas, from construction to maintenance of the facilities.
Why is offshore wind energy the future?
Offshore wind energy has been gaining prominence globally, and in Brazil, the scenario is no different. The generation capacity at sea is much greater than on land, due to the constancy and strength of ocean winds. In addition, the environmental impact on coastal areas can be mitigated by installing offshore farms, since these turbines are far from densely populated areas.
According to Rafael Munilla, business development director at Ocean Winds, the partnership with Eletrobras is a crucial step towards consolidating OW’s presence in the Brazilian market. “We are committed to a sustainable future, where Brazil can use its wind resources intelligently, helping with economic growth and the development of local communities,” he said.
Offshore wind energy projects in Brazil
Ocean Winds already has a robust portfolio of projects registered with IBAMA, totaling 15 GW of power in strategic states, such as:
- Rio de Janeiro
- Piaui
- Rio Grande do Norte
- Rio Grande do Sul
These regions were chosen due to their favorable conditions for the installation of offshore wind farms, both due to the strength of the winds and the proximity to energy distribution centers. Brazil is positioned as one of the leaders in offshore wind energy potential in the Southern Hemisphere, and this partnership is an important step towards realizing this potential.
Environmental impacts and the decarbonization of the economy
The transition to cleaner and renewable energy sources is one of the main global challenges today. In this context, the agreement between Ocean Winds and Eletrobras seeks not only to ensure energy security, but also to contribute to the decarbonization of the Brazilian economy.
Leonardo Soares Walter, Director of M&A and Business Development at Eletrobras, highlighted that “the development of this strategic cooperation with Ocean Winds will directly contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, since we are prioritizing energy sources that are both clean and sustainable”. In addition, he stressed the importance of ensuring that this transition occurs safely, maintaining the reliability of the national energy system.
The global offshore wind energy landscape
Offshore wind energy has seen growth in many parts of the world, with countries such as the United Kingdom, China and Germany leading the way in the installation of new offshore wind farms. Ocean Winds, which already operates in eight countries, has one of its goals to expand its presence in Latin America, with Brazil playing a central role in this strategy.
The country has the potential to become one of the largest producers of offshore wind energy in the world, and this new partnership represents an important milestone on the path to achieving this goal. In addition to promoting the use of renewable energy, the initiative will also help Brazil achieve its carbon emissions reduction targets, as set out in international climate agreements.
The surprising partnership between Ocean Winds and Eletrobras marks the beginning of a new era for offshore wind energy in Brazil. With immense potential to be explored, this collaboration promises not only to boost the renewable energy sector, but also to generate positive impacts on the economy and the environment, bringing benefits both to local communities and to the country as a whole.
The transition to a more sustainable energy matrix is a global priority, and Brazil is taking firm steps in this direction. Now, with the support of two of the largest companies in the sector, the country can consolidate its leadership position in the renewable energy market.