Offshore Wind Energy Project Developments In Rio Grande Do Sul, Rio De Janeiro, And Ceará May Soon Be Launched By The Private Group Neoenergia (Iberdrola)

Neoenergia (Iberdrola) Studies Development of Offshore Wind Projects in Brazil

Neoenergia, one of the main private groups in the electricity sector, is analyzing the opportunities of Brazilian offshore wind potential to harness it with turbines over 10 MW. According to the president, Mario José Ruiz-Tagle Larrain, the company is developing preliminary studies for offshore wind projects in Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, and Ceará. “There are 3,000 MW of development capacity in each of the areas. We have a lot of work to do, but there is definitely an opportunity,” said the executive, who is participating in an event on renewable sources.                            

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Citing the experience of parent company Iberdrola with similar projects abroad, the executive stated that Neoenergia’s goal is to be one of the pioneers in this market, which is experiencing a moment very similar to what it went through in the early 2000s, when Proinfa was promoted by the federal government to stimulate investments in renewable energy sources.  

“We are beginning to tread this path. We have high expectations regarding this in Brazil and believe that some projects can occur within a five to ten-year horizon,” projects the executive.

Logistical and Environmental Issues Are Being Analyzed to Verify Viability  

Ruiz-Tagle Larrain commented that the implementation of these projects still depends on overcoming a series of challenges, citing logistical, environmental, and maritime issues, as well as advancements in wind measurement along the Brazilian coast.   Additionally, the executive said he sees synergy opportunities with offshore projects in the oil and gas industry.

“Brazil has an offshore oil and gas industry that brings great synergy to try to obtain much more reasonable prices here than what we see abroad,” he said.

President of Neoenergia Stated That the Company Is Also Studying the Possibility of Investing in Hybrid Wind-Solar Plants

In addition to offshore wind projects, the president of Neoenergia stated that the company is also studying the possibility of investing in hybrid wind-solar plants. The company is evaluating a potential project of this type in Paraíba, where it is constructing the Chafariz Wind Complex, with 471.2 MW.

“Hybrid plants need regulation, as they operate individually and not as hybrids, which doesn’t make sense,” argued the executive.

Wind Energy Generation in Brazil Will Grow Exponentially  

Neoenergia’s plans in the generation segment also include new natural gas thermal projects, given the opportunities that the new gas law, currently under discussion in Congress, may provide. Ruiz-Tagle Larrain explained that the intention is to bring better balance to the generation portfolio considering the increased share of wind sources, with thermal plants acting as a kind of natural backup in this model.

“However, the price of gas needs to be significantly reduced (to make new plants viable),” ponders the executive. Today, Neoenergia has a thermoelectric plant, Termopernambuco.