Bahia launches Wind Energy Atlas in search of investments.
There are 62 maps illustrating the different parameters of wind distribution and other climatic variables across the state of Bahia, as well as general aspects of infrastructure and environmental legislation; "Today Bahia has the second largest wind farm installed in Brazil, and I believe we are on our way to becoming the first, due to the quality of our winds. Through the Atlas, we are certain that we will boost new investments in the sector," said Governor Jaques Wagner.
Bahia 247 - Governor Jaques Wagner (PT) launched this Wednesday (13) the Bahia Wind Atlas, whose objective is to become a tool for entrepreneurs in the wind sector and serve as a reference for national energy planning. There are 62 maps that illustrate the different parameters of wind distribution and other climatic variables over the territory of Bahia, as well as general aspects of infrastructure and environmental legislation.
According to Odilon Camargo, president of Camargo Schubert, the company responsible for producing the Atlas's content, the thematic maps contain the main statistical parameters of wind speed and direction, as well as their diurnal and seasonal regimes. "The study estimates a surprising wind power potential for Bahia, equivalent to many times that of the Itaipu hydroelectric plant, for example, and reveals the most promising areas for new projects," he states.
The updated Wind Atlas of Bahia reflects technological advancements and the growth of engineering parameters, with wind turbines reaching heights of up to 150 meters. In the previous map, created ten years ago, the turbines were only 80 meters high.
Seven new areas
In addition to climatic variations, the Atlas identifies seven new areas with wind power potential in the state: Serra do Sobradinho, Serra Azul, Morro do Chapéu, Serra da Jacobina, Serra do Estreito, Caetité, and Novo Horizonte.
Among the objectives of the publication is to attract new investments, which currently amount to R$ 12 billion, represented by 87 wind farm projects throughout the country – mainly in the semi-arid region – and 2,2 GW of installed capacity.
The president of the Brazilian Wind Energy Association (ABEeólica), Elbia Mello, states that the interior of Bahia has excellent quality winds for wind energy production. "Because of its potential, Bahia attracts the attention of investors in the sector," she said.
Interior
Bahia has significant wind energy potential, estimated at 14,5 GW for a height of 70 m - representing 10,1% of the national potential and 19,3% of the potential of the Northeast region.
Unlike other states in the region, which have a higher incidence of winds on the coast, Bahia concentrates its wind power potential inland, along the entire right bank of the São Francisco River, from the Serra do Espinhaço mountain range to Juazeiro.
In 2013, the state stood out in the sale of wind energy projects in the fifth reserve energy auction, held by the Chamber of Electric Energy Commercialization (CCEE) of the Federal Government. Of the 66 projects contracted, Bahia sold 28, totaling more than R$ 2 billion in investments.
Second park
"Today, Bahia has the second wind farm installed in Brazil, and I believe we are on track to become the first, due to the quality of our winds. Through Atlas, we are certain that we will boost new investments in the sector," stated Governor Jaques Wagner.
Currently, Bahia has seven wind power projects, totaling R$ 2,1 billion. Notable projects include Desenvix, located in Brotas de Macaúbas, with investments of R$ 400 million, and Renova Energia, with wind farms in Caetité, Pindaí, and Igaporã, with investments of around R$ 1,3 billion, in addition to Sete Gameleiras, Pedra Branca, and São Pedro do Lago.