EDP Renewables and Engie JV Ocean Winds has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brazil’s Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) aimed at driving the offshore wind sector in the country.
Ocean Winds said one of its main objectives is “to use its vast experience and proven strategies from its international offshore wind operations, which represent a total capacity of 18.5GW – 2GW under construction and 1.5GW already operational – to strengthen the sector in Brazil”.
This commitment is evidenced by the fact it has registered with IBAMA five offshore wind energy project proposals with a total capacity of 15GW in the states of Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Sul since 2020, the developer added.
The MoU signed at Brazil Windpower (pictured) seeks to align essential elements for the growth of the offshore wind energy industry in the country, including sustainable regulatory frameworks, strategies for the local supply chain and active community engagement.
To achieve these goals, it is crucial to have a highly qualified workforce equipped with the best tools and resources for the implementation and sustainability of projects, said Ocean Winds.
“Our commitment is to create research and development opportunities that comply with current laws and regulations, facilitating the success of projects and reinforcing our dedication to responsible and sustainable growth,” added the JV.
“By investing in advanced technologies and promoting collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners, we aim to improve operational efficiency and sustainability, positioning Ocean Winds as a leader in the development of offshore wind energy.”
Coordinator of the Creation/UFRN research centre Mario González said: “UFRN, with its undergraduate and postgraduate courses in engineering, exact sciences and social sciences, has developed and disseminated knowledge and technologies in the energy sector, promoting the development of the onshore and offshore oil and gas economic sector and, in the last decade, wind energy.
“After learning from the research centres of the pioneering countries in offshore wind, UFRN has generated knowledge and disseminated it in Brazil and Europe.
“Collaboration with companies in the market, such as Ocean Winds, is essential if applied research is to develop the offshore wind sector, enabling all stakeholders in this new economic sector in the country to benefit.’
Director of business development in Brazil and South America at Ocean Winds Rafael Palhares said: “For Ocean Winds, prioritising the generation of local value throughout the project life cycle is essential to contributing to social development.
“The most effective way to achieve this is through a collaborative approach that involves all stakeholders committed to the proper advancement of the industry.
“This includes academia, which goes beyond just promoting science; it involves investing resources to ensure that knowledge is accessible through appropriate tools and methodologies.’
Together, Ocean Winds and UFRN said they aim to boost economic growth and create job opportunities in Brazil’s offshore wind energy sector, with a focus on workforce development initiatives.
By addressing the specific skills needed in the industry, they added they will ensure that the sector has access to a highly qualified workforce, essential for sustainable growth and expansion.