Study of indicators on regulation for offshore wind energy exploitation in Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT Generating electrical power through offshore wind farms presents an opportunity for Brazil to diversify its energy matrix, embracing renewable sources and addressing challenges such as climate change and energy security. Despite three decades passing since the installation of the world's first offshore wind farm, Brazil has yet to take effective steps towards implementing wind turbines in its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, revealing a significant gap in harnessing its maritime wind potential. This study assessed the adequacy of the country's legal and regulatory framework for the expanding offshore wind sector, considering environmental, technological, tariff-related, and organizational dimensions. The results pointed out challenges impacting the sector: the lack of competence of the Energy Research Company (EPE) to obtain prior environmental licenses, the absence of competence of the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) in defining areas for bidding, and the inadequacy of the CNPE's composition in adequately representing the affected sectors, limiting the diversity of perspectives considered. These discoveries provide essential guidance for the Legislative and Executive branches, assisting in the formulation of policies that promote sustainable growth of offshore wind energy in Brazil, contributing to a cleaner and more resilient energy future in the face of climate change.