EDP Renewables and Engie's joint venture, Ocean Winds, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brazil's Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) to foster the development of offshore wind energy in Brazil.
This agreement, unveiled at the Brazil Windpower event, aims to leverage Ocean Winds' global experience in offshore wind, where it operates and develops projects totaling 18.5 GW globally, to build capacity and support regulatory and workforce development in Brazil's emerging offshore wind sector.
Ocean Winds has already registered five offshore wind projects in Brazil with the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), representing a combined capacity of 15 GW across the states of Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio de Janeiro, and Rio Grande do Sul.
The partnership with UFRN will focus on aligning regulatory frameworks, enhancing local supply chains, and engaging communities. “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,” the JV stated.
Mario González, Coordinator at UFRN's Creation research center, emphasized that “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.”
Ocean Winds' business development director for Brazil and South America, Rafael Palhares, highlighted the local impact focus: “For Ocean Winds, prioritizing the generation of local value throughout the project lifecycle is essential to contributing to social development. The most effective way to achieve this is through a collaborative approach that involves all stakeholders.”
The collaboration aims to boost economic growth and create employment in Brazil's offshore wind sector by focusing on specialized workforce development. This approach will ensure a sustainable, skilled labor pool for Brazil's renewable energy future, the partners noted.
