EDF Group commissions 480MWp Serra do Seridó wind farm in Brazil

EDF Group, through its subsidiary EDF Renewables, has officially commissioned its largest wind farm in South America, Serra do Seridó, located in the state of Paraíba in Northeast Brazil. With an installed capacity of 480 megawatts peak (MWp) spread across 85 wind turbines, Serra do Seridó is set to provide enough electricity to power approximately 1.5 million Brazilian households annually. This significant development underscores EDF’s enduring commitment to Brazil and highlights its role in advancing the global energy transition.

The Serra do Seridó wind farm represents a major milestone for EDF, marking the culmination of a project that began construction in 2021. The development was executed in two phases and involved the mobilization of nearly 2,000 workers, with 30% of the workforce sourced locally. EDF’s commitment to community development is evident through various socio-economic initiatives undertaken during the project, including training programs for farmers on restoring degraded rural areas in collaboration with a Paraiban state company.

The wind farm’s electricity output is covered by a mix of long-term agreements. A portion of the electricity was secured through a tariff won in a 2019 auction organized by the Brazilian federal government, while another segment was sold via pluriannual Power Purchase Agreements (cPPA) in the open market. This dual approach ensures financial stability and a steady revenue stream for the project.

EDF Group’s presence in Brazil spans nearly three decades, and the company has established a significant footprint with 1.8 gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar projects in the country. In addition to Serra do Seridó, EDF operates several major facilities, including the 402 MW Sinop hydroelectric power plant, and the Norte Fluminense (827 MW) and Marlim Azul (565 MW) combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants. Recently, EDF also won a project in the electricity transmission sector and is developing storage solutions to complement its renewable energy portfolio.

Béatrice Buffon, Senior Executive Vice-President of EDF Group and Chairman of EDF Renewables, emphasized the importance of the Serra do Seridó wind farm as a testament to EDF’s dedication to a carbon-neutral future. Buffon noted that the project not only contributes to the decarbonization strategies of EDF’s clients but also supports socio-economic development in local communities. She highlighted that the sustainable energy provided by the wind farm plays a crucial role in combating climate change and promoting a just and sustainable energy transition.

The commissioning of Serra do Seridó reinforces EDF Group’s position as a leading player in the global renewable energy sector. The wind farm’s capacity and operational model reflect the company’s broader strategy of leveraging diverse energy technologies to support sustainable development and energy transition goals. As EDF continues to expand its renewable energy footprint, projects like Serra do Seridó will be pivotal in driving progress toward global carbon neutrality and enhancing local socio-economic conditions.