Petrobras and the government of Rio Grande do Norte, in Brazil, have agreed to a feasibility study for a pilot offshore wind project in the state.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) is in relation to studies for the feasibility of a pilot.
The MoU that Rio Grande do Norte will promote actions such as aligning the project with state programs and policies, supporting the processes necessary for studies and research for the development and implementation of the project, as well as fostering actions to improve the region where the pilot project will be implemented.
Petrobras will provide studies on the possible environmental and social impacts resulting from the installation of the project.
“Petrobras has been establishing partnerships with institutions and companies, aiming to acquire knowledge and training in the offshore wind segment, in order to evaluate future projects and opportunities in this segment,” said Petrobras’ president Jean Paul Prates.
“Rio Grande do Norte has a natural vocation, an excellent wind regime for offshore wind projects and we believe that this vocation of the state should be taken advantage of.”
Petrobras has several offshore wind projects undergoing feasibility studies in the country, filed with Ibama.
The state-owned oil and gas major has also requested the start of the licensing process for projects in 10 areas with a total potential of 23GW, seven of which are in the north-east of Brazil and which add up to 14.3GW of capacity.
It also has studies ongoing in seven areas in partnership with Equinor, which add up to another 14.5GW of total potential.
Petrobras has also undertaken wind measurement campaigns in some locations in the Brazilian sea, fundamental for the evaluation of the technical feasibility of future offshore wind energy installations.
Measurement infrastructure includes six platforms located in shallow waters off the coast of the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Ceara and Espírito Santo.