Food giant BRF to build 160MW wind farm in Brazil with AES

AES Brasil has formed a joint venture with Brazilian food giant BRF to build a wind farm in north-eastern Brazil.

The 160MW wind farm will be located in Cajuina in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The total investment is estimated at BRL 825 million (€132 million), of which BRF will directly invest around BRL 80 million.

It is due to feature turbines supplied by German manufacturer Nordex. 

The wind farm is scheduled to enter commercial operations in 2024. BRF will buy electricity from the project, under a 15-year power purchase agreement. It is assumed that the project will have a capacxity factor of 50%.

BRF explained that the deal will contribute to its commitment of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. The company aims to obtain more than half of its energy from sustainable sources by 2030 and expects to reach 25% by the end of next year.

“The partnership will allow us to meet our commitment of meeting one third of our energy needs in Brazil as well as mitigating supply risks, offering more competitive production costs and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said BRF CEO Lorival Luz.

One of the world’s largest food companies, BRF has more than 90,000 employees in 130 countries and accounts for around 12% of the global market for chicken protein.

AES highlighted that more and more Brazilian companies were looking to switch to renewable energy supplies to reduce their environmental footprints.

“This is a movement that is gaining speed in companies that understand that sustainable production is essential for the future of their businesses and our planet,” said AES Brasil CEO Clarissa Sadock.

AES currently operates 1,265MW of installed wind capacity in Brazil and is negotiating the development of up to 1,160MW of additional capacity.