Government Formalizes Working Group to Regulate Offshore Wind Energy in Brazil

Oct. 1 – The National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) approved a resolution creating the Offshore Wind Working Group (GT-EO), with the objective of proposing measures necessary for the regulation and effective implementation of Law No. 15,097 of January 10, 2025 (Offshore Wind Law) in Brazil. Coordinated by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), the committee will have the participation of 23 institutions and may invite representatives from the productive sector and civil society.

Brazil’s potential for offshore wind generation is estimated at over 1,200 gigawatts, distributed across the Northeast, Southeast, and South regions. Studies indicate that, in coastal areas up to 50 meters deep and with winds at 100 meters high, there are 697 gigawatts of usable capacity. Currently, 104 environmental licensing requests for offshore wind projects are being processed by Ibama, totaling 247 megawatts under analysis.

For the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, the measure reaffirms the country’s commitment to the energy transition. “We are creating the regulatory foundations to transform the potential of offshore wind into a concrete reality for Brazil. This is a historic opportunity to generate jobs, income, and sustainable development, placing the country at the global forefront of clean energy,” Silveira emphasized.

The creation of the GT-EO seeks to establish the infra-legal framework at the federal level that will address issues such as prior location definition, rules for requesting a Declaration of Prior Interference (DIP), technical and economic-financial qualification criteria, and applicable sanctions in case of non-compliance. Phased deliveries are also planned, including technical studies on the coexistence of offshore wind energy and fishing activities, navigation safety, port requirements, as well as proposals for process digitalization and the creation of a Single Offshore Area Management Portal.

According to estimates presented by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), the expansion of offshore wind power could generate up to 516,000 full-time jobs by 2050 and add approximately R$902 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the same period. Projected costs for fixed-foundation plants range from US$52 to US$64 per megawatt-hour, demonstrating competitiveness relative to other renewable sources.