The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has approved funding for the construction of 26 wind farms, all in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, totaling R$ 1.8 billion, directed to four distinct projects. The enterprise will total an installed capacity of 628.8 megawatts and will demand total investments of R$ 2.6 billion.

With such new financing, the total resources approved this year for wind farms reaches R$ 3.3 billion, the largest amount ever approved by BNDES and is 275% higher than the approvals granted along 2010, which totaled R$ 1.2 billion.

Among the merits of the projects supported by the Bank is the diversification of the Brazilian energy matrix with a renewable source, without hydrological risk, in addition to environmental benefits. The wind farms will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by MW/hour of electricity generated in the interconnected system. The projects also have a potential for generating carbon credits.

The project will also have a positive impact on the region, making it more dynamic, since it should increase the collection of taxes. Additionally, it is expected to diversify the economic activities of those areas.

14 December 2011