The government of Rio de Janeiro wants to transform the state into an offshore wind energy hub, capable of generating 27 GW of energy on its coast and attracting US$ 85 billion in investments.

The Government of Rio de Janeiro is boosting the clean energy in the state, which already has 9 offshore wind energy projects in the environmental licensing phase at the Brazilian Institute of the Environment (IBAMA), which could become one of the main poles of generation of this renewable energy category in the country. If approved, the projects should represent a quarter of all Brazilian investment in the sector, and, in the coming years, Rio could attract more than US$ 85 billion in resources.

Government comments on strategic advantages of transforming Rio de Janeiro into an offshore wind producing hub

According to Governor Cláudio Castro (PL), the offshore wind energy sector is essential in the diversification of the energy matrix in the State, as well as the benefits generated, mainly in relation to the environment and job creation. According to Castro, this sector is considered important worldwide for the sustainable diversification of energy matrix.

Due to its characteristics, the coast of Rio de Janeiro offers a competitive advantage for the development of the offshore wind energy hub, and also has an already developed service chain. 

The Government of Rio de Janeiro has sought to understand the needs of the sector in order to find solutions that speed up the installation of projects and, thus, also enable the generation of thousands of new jobs and more income for the population of Rio de Janeiro.

Offshore wind power could boost marine industry

Cássio Coelho, secretary of Economic Development, Energy and International Relations, who met with the company Neoenergia this Monday (13), highlighted how much the change of headquarters in Rio de Janeiro can contribute to the marine industry.

According to the secretary, these state government projects can enable the expansion of energy security in Rio de Janeiro, an essential competitive factor to attract new investments and tax collection.

In addition to being able to present the development of new demands for the Rio de Janeiro naval industry, such as contracts for ships that launch energy cables, vessels for transporting towers, crane ships for launching towers, blades and accessories and also for maintenance of offshore wind farms .

The projects will also make it possible to attract manufacturers of blades and accessories. It is also important to point out that on the 22nd of next month, the Secretariat for Economic Development will promote a seminar on renewable energies.

27 GW can be generated in RJ

According to information from Sérgio Coelho, superintendent of oil and naval industry, from the Secretariat for Economic Development, the main area with potential for wind energy generation goes from Arraial do Cabo to São Francisco de Itabapoana, totaling 27 GW.

Rio de Janeiro has 25% of Brazil's offshore wind power projects being developed. Coelho points out that currently, in the world there are 67 commissioned projects focused on wind energy and another 15 that will be commissioned in the coming years. The power of these undertakings is equivalent to the installed capacity of two Itaipu hydroelectric plants. 

The ventures have enormous synergy with the shipbuilding industry, developing demands in the offshore wind energy sector. The entities are talking a lot with the main players in the sector to understand the needs and anticipate the solutions for the installation of the projects.

The challenges for the development of the offshore wind energy sector include regulating a business environment that, in addition to encouraging investment, reduces environmental impacts, favoring the energy transition. Rio de Janeiro has a great vocation for developing business opportunities for this type of generation.