15 MW Turbines in Demand For Offshore Projects In Brazil

Ever since the offshore wind energy projects development were announced in Brazil, most of the players involved in the licensing process for environmental investigations are opting for 15 MW capacity wind turbines. Within the 15 MW capacity turbines, while there are few variations in the technologies being chosen for, the model of Vestas that has a rotor diameter of 236 meters is mostly demanded. The production of Vestas’ models will commence in 2024.

The 15 MW turbine technology of Vestas will be employed in 22 out of a total of 55 offshore wind energy projects in Brazil that want clearances from the state for environmental clearances.

The Brazilian Government had issued a Decree in January to enable the implementation of necessary offshore studies. This is essential for the identification of those areas that are suitable for offshore wind projects installations. It has been reported that 15MW turbines will be employed in five more projects but the name of the original equipment manufacturer remains undisclosed. The rotor diameter of this turbine will be 246 meters.

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Other Turbines in Demand

Other turbine technologies too are in good demand for the upcoming offshore wind energy projects. At least seven projects will be employing 20 MW capacity wind turbines with rotor diameter of 265 metres. The manufacturer of the heavy turbines is yet to be disclosed in these projects. GE might be one prospect of course.

The 14 MW capacity turbine model from Siemens Gamesa (222-metre diameter) will be used in 6 wind energy projects. One project will have just a 10MW model from Siemens Gamesa.

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A Denmark based OEM will supply 9.5 MW turbines for an offshore wind project. It has signed a MoU with the provincial government of Rio Grande do Norte. GE Renewable Energy will be supplying its Haliade-X technology with a 12 MW output in four wind energy projects.

Brazil’s Offshore Wind Energy Quest

At present Brazil has about 21GW onshore wind energy capacity which may increase to 33 GW by 2026. The country has a long coastline of more than 7,300 km and 3.5 million sq km of maritime space. According to state energy research corporation EPE, Brazil has a potential to generate 697 GW of offshore wind energy.

Since 2020, the number of applications for licences to undertake environmental assessments for offshore wind projects has increased abruptly. Equinor was the first entrant and now Shell and TotalEnergies have also announced their entry in Brazil’s offshore wind sector.