New decree allows offshore wind generation

On Tuesday night (25) the federal government issued a decree that opens space for the development of wind power generation on the high seas, or offshore, in the country. The technology is common in Europe and has entered the radar of major investors such as Neoenergia and Shell.

Decree No. 10,946/2022, considered “a crucial advance” by the Brazilian Wind Energy Association (ABEEólica), provides for the assignment of use of physical spaces and the use of natural resources to generate electricity from offshore plants.

The document will enter into force on June 15 and apply to inland waters under the Union’s domain, territorial sea, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the decree comes to fill gaps identified by public institutions, entrepreneurs, specialists and organizations of a regulatory framework for the exploitation of offshore electrical potential in Brazil, especially in issues related to the implementation and concession model. .

The text establishes that the assignment of use may be granted either at the initiative of the Ministry, through the offer of previously delimited prisms (“planned assignment”), or at the initiative of those interested in exploring the areas (“independent assignment”).

Once the use is granted, it is up to the entrepreneur to carry out the necessary studies to identify the offshore energy potential, and must meet the criteria and deadlines defined by the ministry.

The government claims that Brazil has “excellent characteristics” for offshore wind generation, such as an extensive coastline, with shallow waters along the coast, and the incidence of trade winds in the Northeast region, with constant intensity and direction.

In the assessment of ABEEólica, the decree represents “a crucial advance” to make the new technology viable in the country.

“We believe that the decree not only serves public and collective interests, but is also an important basis for the companies’ work to be carried out in a planned and organized manner. In a sector that is taking its first steps, this security is fundamental”, said the entity, in note.

According to the entity, Ibama already has more than 40 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind projects under analysis, which shows great interest on the part of investors.

Among the groups that have already published studies for projects in Brazil are Neoenergia, controlled by Spain’s Iberdrola, and Shell.

Worldwide, this type of wind generation adds up to 35.3 GW of installed capacity, according to the latest survey by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), with data from the end of 2020. Of this total, around 70% are concentrated in Europe, the UK being the biggest technology market, followed by China.

In Brazil, offshore wind farms are still not competitive with other generation technologies, but the market is betting on a reduction in the value of investments (Capex) with technological development.

According to the National Energy Plan 2050, prepared by the Energy Research Company (EPE), offshore wind generation could reach 16 GW by 2050, if there is a 20% reduction in Capex from this source.