Brazil Chamber approves regulatory framework for offshore wind farms

The Chamber of Deputies approved, by 403 votes to 16, the bill (PL 11,247 of 2018) that regulates the use of offshore energy potential (at sea). The proposal to create the Offshore Wind Power Regulatory Framework now goes to the Senate for analysis.

The approved text was the substitute presented by the rapporteur, deputy Zé Vitor (PL-MG). The objective of the text is to build a regulatory framework for the production of energy from renewable sources on the high seas. According to the rapporteur, offshore wind farms “have great potential to provide more sustainability to the Brazilian energy matrix”.

According to the project, it will be up to the Executive Branch to define which areas will be suitable for installing wind farms. Authorization or concession for the areas will be required. Some regions, such as oil fields, maritime navigation routes and areas protected by environmental legislation, will not be able to receive the projects.

In areas close to oil blocks, operators will have preference in obtaining the grant, according to the text. It was also established that compensation will be paid to the government for energy generated at sea, a type of royalty.