Brazil plans to hold its first offshore wind auctions

Brazil is preparing a system for licensing seabed areas and holding competitive tenders as the country looks to launch its offshore wind sector.

The government’s newly issued Decree No 10.946 creates a regulatory and legal basis for offshore wind development, according to industry body the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).

The decree outlines the responsibilities of government institutions and companies and says what studies developers will need to complete.

It does not come with a schedule for auctions. 

The decree comes into force in June and the Brazilian ministry of mines and energy MME will have 180 days from then to amend the rules.

Ben Backwell, GWEC chief executive, said the decree provided the “clarity and certainty” the wind industry needs to develop large-scale wind farms in Brazilian waters.

He added that Brazil is also preparing offtake mechanisms for offshore wind power.

Backwell said: “Brazil has virtually unlimited offshore wind resources and wind energy companies have already presented applications for licensing for 40GW of offshore wind projects in Brazil, representing a unique opportunity to meet growing power demand, develop green hydrogen projects and create vast amounts of investment and skilled jobs.”

Two years ago, the Brazilian government published a roadmap, which acknowledged that the country needed to create a framework for regulation and permitting, as well as to ensure its ports, grids, infrastructure and vessels could support an offshore wind sector. sector.

Elbia Gannoum, chief executive of Brazilian wind energy association Abeeolica, said: “I have no doubt that, in some short years’ time, we will be celebrating our first gigawatts of wind energy in the Brazilian seas and that Brazil, which has some of the best winds in the world for onshore, will also be known for the success of offshore wind.”