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European companies are looking to start new renewable energy generation projects, with Ceará being the “perfect” state for the task, with enormous potential in wind energy
European companies in the renewable energy sector are eyeing the offshore wind energy potential of the state of Ceará. Currently, the state has 22 offshore wind energy projects in the process of environmental licensing at the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), totaling 56,6 GW of power. Along with Rio Grande do Sul, Ceará is the federation unit with the most ongoing projects at Ibama, according to the Diário do Nordeste website.
22 offshore wind energy projects at Ibama
Offshore wind energy projects in Ceará are located mainly on the west coast, between the municipalities of Caucaia and Camocim. However, the fact of having offshore projects in process at Ibama does not mean that the projects will be implemented, as there may be a federal auction offering these wind power generation points.
According to Jurandir Picanço, energy consultant at the Federation of Industries of Ceará (Fiec): “The first step is to apply for environmental licensing. So, this first step does not mean that these offshore projects will come to fruition, because it can only happen if there is a federal auction buying energy. It is especially important to have regulations establishing the responsibility for approving”.
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Regulation and legal framework
For the implementation of projects in Ceará, it is necessary to have a legal framework for energy on the high seas. The first projects will always have greater difficulty and a higher cost, as happened with the first onshore wind turbines (on land) and solar plants.
Picanço adds that several projects will compete for the same contract and only one of them will be the winner. Investors don't invest unless they are sure they want buyers. Therefore, there must be a guarantee that the energy will be sold before bidding.
European companies invest in wind energy projects in Ceará
European companies in the oil and gas segment are interested in investing in offshore wind energy projects in Ceará. This is the case of Shell, from Great Britain, and TotalEnergies, from France. In addition to them, there are still companies based in Spain (Neoenergia, from Iberdrola), France (Qair), Norway (Equinor) and Japan (Shizen).
“Our wind potential is excellent. This aroused the interest of companies, almost all of which operate internationally, to reserve their area”, according to Picanço.
Among the projects in the process of environmental licensing, the largest in total power are: Alpha (6.000 MW), Asa Branca III (4.320 MW) and Asa Branca IV (4.320 MW).
Offshore wind energy is one of the most promising in the world. It is capable of generating a significant amount of energy, is more constant and is not influenced by obstacles. physical objects, such as buildings or mountains. In addition, Ceará has one of the best wind resources offshore world and the potential to become a leader in renewable energy in Latin America.
