The Serra do Assuruá Wind Complex which is the largest wind power project in Latin America is expected to commence phased commercial operations in the second half of 2024.
The Serra do Assuruá Wind Complex is one of the largest ongoing construction projects in Brazil in which a 188 wind turbine complex is being setup to generate 846Mw. The project is being undertaken by Engie Brasil Energia SA a private entity that generates energy in Brazil.
Project scope
The Serra do Assuruá Wind Complex project not only involves installing wind turbines but it will also involve the establishment of a 28km transmission line to connect to the national grid, making the power available to companies which will then be able to acquire the power for their use on contract. When complete the wind farm will have 188 turbines in total. Vestas Wind Systems A/S is to supply 64 wind turbines in an initial 288M order with each turbine being capable of generating 4.5Mw.
Also Read: Top ten biggest offshore wind farms in the world
Commencement and costs
The Projects inception was in 2022 when Brasil Energia SA first revealed its intent to acquire development rights at a cost of R$ 265 million. At the time the rights involved developing and operating wind projects with a total capacity of 882Mw
The Serra do Assuruá Wind Complex project is estimated to cost R$6 Billion. The Development bank BNDES earlier in the year approved financing of R$1.5Bn for the
Serra do Assuruá wind power complex. BNDES is one of the major financing agents focusing on development projects in Brazil
The Project Developer
Engie Brasil Energia SA already operates 1GW of installed capacity in Bahia where it runs 2 wind power complexes namely the Umburanas, Campo Largo 1 and Campo Largo 2 Wind Power Complex, in the cities of Sento Sé and Umburanas.
Bazil’s wind power sector
Brazil is gearing up to increase production of wind power with Petrobas the country’s state owned oil company stepping in the fray. This is after the GE and Siemens ceased producing turbines locally. The oil company is keen on developing offshore wind plants aiming to produce 23Gw of energy from the plants once they are setup. according to Reuters.
Currently Brazil has an installed capacity of 21.5Gw of wind power making it the 6th largest producer of wind energy.
