Ventos de Santa Eugênia Wind Complex : Statkraft launches Brazil’s largest wind farm outside Europe

Statkraft, a leading renewable energy producer, has inaugurated the Ventos de Santa Eugênia Wind Complex in Bahia, Brazil, marking the company’s largest wind farm outside Europe. With a capacity of 519 MW, the wind complex is a pioneering hybrid project in Brazil, set to optimize energy production with an additional 163 MW solar farm. This strategic initiative underscores Statkraft’s commitment to contributing to the green energy transition in Brazil and positions the company among the ten largest wind power producers in Latin America’s most crucial energy market.

Christian Rynning-Tønnesen, CEO of Statkraft, attended the inauguration on February 6, highlighting the project as a milestone for the company in Brazil. The development of the Ventos de Santa Eugênia Wind Complex signifies significant value creation potential for Statkraft and demonstrates its dedication to the country’s sustainable energy future.

Statkraft’s expansion in Brazil is part of a broader strategy to leverage the country’s vast renewable energy potential. Ingeborg Dårflot, Executive Vice President for Statkraft’s international business, emphasized the company’s ambitions in Brazil, noting the development of a strong organization, profitable operations, and a considerable project pipeline. This foundation enables Statkraft to develop and operate renewable energy across various technologies, benefiting from hydropower expertise from Norway and applying insights from Brazil to other markets.

Statkraft’s Strategic Expansion in Brazil with 519 MW Statkraft Ventos de Santa Eugênia Wind Complex Sets New Industry Standards

The Ventos de Santa Eugênia wind complex significantly boosts Statkraft’s capacity in Brazil, contributing to a fivefold increase in the company’s total generation capacity in the country within less than a year. By 2024, Statkraft expects to have over 2,200 MW of generation capacity in Brazil across hydropower, solar, wind, and battery technologies.

Fernando de Lapuerta, Country Manager for Statkraft Brazil, expressed pride in developing one of the first hybrid renewable energy projects in the country. The project aims to optimize energy production through shared infrastructure between solar and wind technologies, enhancing energy security with more stable and balanced generation.

The wind complex, located in Uibaí and Ibipeba in the Bahia region, covers 489 hectares and consists of 14 wind farms with 91 turbines. It is expected to produce 2,300 GWh of renewable energy annually, sufficient to supply 1.17 million Brazilian households. The development of the Ventos de Santa Eugênia hybrid solar farm is scheduled to start later this year, with operations planned in 2025, totaling a combined capacity of 682 MW.

Statkraft’s approach to minimizing environmental impacts and engaging with local communities near the power plant has led to significant positive local impacts, including income increases. This initiative demonstrates how renewable projects can contribute to local development and national renewable energy goals.

The company’s Ventos de Santa Eugênia Wind Complex represents a significant advancement in renewable energy deployment in Brazil, showcasing the potential for hybrid wind and solar projects to drive the green energy transition. By combining wind and solar power with battery storage, Statkraft is not only increasing energy generation capacity but also ensuring energy security and sustainability. This project highlights the critical role of international expertise and local engagement in advancing renewable energy infrastructure, setting a precedent for future developments in Brazil and beyond.