Brazil president authorises offshore wind development

Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has signed a bill authorizing the development of offshore wind farms in the country.

The bill, signed into law on Friday last week, looks to enhance Brazil’s energy security and improve investments.

The new law has created a regulatory framework for offshore wind energy utilisation in Brazil, a system of incentives for development and job creation.

The bill also defined permissible locations for energy generation, including the country’s territorial sea, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf. It also focuses on consultation with affected communities before offshore projects are allowed.

The president vetoed articles related to the protection of consumers from rising energy tariffs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector.

Brazil currently hosts some of the world’s largest hydroelectric plants such as Itaipu, Belo Monte, Tucuruí, Paulo Afonso, and Ilha Solteira.

According to the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, there were 103 offshore wind farm projects in Brazil awaiting licensing approval as of December 2024.