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Statkraft unveils its largest wind farm outside Europe, the 519 MW Ventos de Santa Eugênia Wind Complex in Bahia, Brazil. This hybrid project will incorporate a planned 163 MW solar farm to maximize energy output.
The Ventos de Santa Eugênia wind complex increases Statkraft’s Brazil capacity by 519 MW. Coupled with recent acquisitions and projects in the pipeline, Statkraft aims to increase its total generation capacity in Brazil fivefold within a year. By 2024, the company expects to have over 2,200 MW of generation capacity spanning hydropower, solar, wind, and battery technologies.
Situated in Uibaí and Ibipeba, Bahia, the wind complex spans 489 hectares, hosting 14 wind farms with 91 turbines, each generating 5.7 MW. Anticipated annual renewable energy production is 2,300 GWh, sufficient to power 1.17 million Brazilian households. At its peak, the project employed nearly 2,000 workers.
Construction of the Ventos de Santa Eugênia hybrid solar farm will commence later this year. Utilizing battery technology, the energy complex will boast a combined capacity of 682 MW, with operations slated for 2025.
“The successful development of the Ventos de Santa Eugênia Wind Complex in Bahia marks a milestone for Statkraft in Brazil and shows our commitment to contribute to the green energy transition in the country. It places Statkraft among the ten largest wind companies in the most important energy market in Latin America with significant value creation potential for Statkraft,” says Statkraft CEO Christian Rynning-Tønnesen.
“Statkraft views Brazil as an exciting market with great potential and we have high ambitions. We have over time built a strong organisation, profitable operations and a considerable pipeline which gives us the necessary platform to further develop and operate renewables within several technologies. In addition, we have developed a market team in Brazil, positioning us well to understand the market complexity and the customer needs. We build on the hydropower expertise from Norway, while at the same time we apply insights from Brazil to other markets in which we operate. It’s a win-win,” dded Ingeborg Dårflot, Executive Vice President for Statkraft’s international business.
“We are proud to be among the first companies to develop a hybrid renewable energy project to optimise energy production. This concept ensures better utilisation of shared infrastructure between solar and wind technologies and contributes to energy security through a more stable and balanced energy generation,” says Fernando de Lapuerta, Country Manager for Statkraft Brazil.
“Good dialogue with the local communities located near the power plant and a firm determination to minimise environmental impacts has been a focus for us when developing this energy complex. We have implemented a wide range of social programs in the area and as a result, we have been able to measure a significant income increase in the local population. This shows that renewable projects can have relevant positive impacts locally, as well as contributing to achieving the national goals of increasing renewables,” added further Lapuerta.
