(PN) Ramboll, a multinational consultancy specializing in engineering and multidisciplinary projects, is one of the world leaders in offshore wind energy and is in charge of several projects being studied in Brazil. The company is involved in more than 55% of all operating offshore wind projects around the world. Operating in all the main offshore markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, China, Germany, Denmark, Finland and emerging markets such as Taiwan, Japan, Korea, France and Poland, Ramboll has already carried out analyzes and implementation studies of 20% of the parks offshore in Brazil, among the 78 that are being evaluated at IBAMA, for companies such as Total Eren, Voltalia and Grupo Shinzen.
Among them is the Asa Branca offshore complex, in Ceará, where Ramboll is responsible for the environmental management process, and whose generation capacity of its first wind module (out of a total of 10 modules), increased from 720 MW to 1,080 MW, while the entire complex will have 10 identical modules, totaling 10,800 MW. Just Asa Branca I, alone, will have the potential to generate 4 million MWh/year, with an investment of approximately R＄ 15 billion. For Eugenio Singer, CEO of Ramboll in the country, “Only in offshore wind projects, Brazil already has almost 170 GW under analysis for development, practically the same combined installed power of electrical energy generation – hydro, thermo, solar, onshore wind, etc. – existing in the country in 2023. This is the pre-salt of wind energy, due to advantages such as the scale of wind capture that is many times greater than onshore generation and the lower environmental impact.“
As offshore wind turbines have individual power up to three times greater than those on land, this makes it possible to generate much more energy in the same area at sea than on land. Furthermore, the maritime space is more open and has great potential for use, with more constant winds and even better distribution of parks. “It is possible to install the towers at a distance of 1 to 2 kilometers from each other.” In the opinion of the CEO of Ramboll in Brazil, the movement towards offshore generation is irreversible. “The race for the wind pre-salt has already begun. Companies are already carrying out location analyzes and environmental impact assessments, but it is necessary to address the regulatory framework and develop the supply chain and port infrastructure.” But there are other challenges before offshore generation becomes a reality, including developing a strong supply chain and creating port infrastructure. “Today, only the ports of Pecém, in Ceará, Suape, in Pernambuco, and Açu, in Rio de Janeiro, have the capacity to receive the blades of up to 220 meters from the wind turbines needed for offshore parks”, highlights Singer.
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