A 10,000 MW wind energy tender in Brazil

Brazil announced an upcoming tender for 14,000 MW of new renewable energy, of which 10,000 MW are wind turbines, 3,000 MW are biomass and 1,000 MW are small-scale hydro projects.

Two different types of tenders have been combined: one that counts towards the nation’s energy matrix, and a “reserve” tender.

In the first type of tender, the buyers are distributors, who are committed to developing the winning projects and completing their connection to the grid within 3 years.

On the other hand, “reserve” tenders are part of a plan launched in 2008 and managed by the Electric Energy Commercialisation Agency (CCEE), aiming at increasing the country’s energy security, with additional “reserve” energy added to the national interconnection System.

The tender will be officially launched on August 19, 2010. Tenders will be combined for the first time: according to Brazilian industries this is a consequence of the large number of projects that are expected to be submitted.

Brazil produces most of its electricity from hydroelectric power, whose installed capacity is 83,000 MW, out of a total of 112,000 MW.

However, significant projects are planned regarding other renewables, especially wind farm and biomass. The new national energy development plan launched a few months ago, for example, foresees a 13% average annual increase of new renewables by 2019.

www.mme.gov.br

www.enelgreenpower.com