Offshore Wind Energy Auction: Brazil prepares for historic decision with support from Coppe

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Brazil is moving forward with a strategic decision that could shape the future of one of the most promising renewable energy sources: the first area auction for offshore wind farms. This process has been completed in stages — and, on Wednesday, April 1st, one of the most important was completed.

The National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) approved the resolution that establishes the guidelines for the regulation of Law No. 15,097/2025, on Offshore Wind Energy. The measure defines the basis for the sector’s organization and represents an essential step to enable future auctions.

For the minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, the new guidelines boost the development of the source. “This energy is a strategic ally of energy transition and Brazil’s potential reinforces its relevance”. It is yet another step forward in harnessing national energy potential, stimulating technology, innovation and the strengthening  of institutional articulation”, he stated.

The guidelines establish criteria for the selection of areas, companies’ participating conditions and parameters for the exploration of projects, opening up pathways for the creation of public notices and.

The guidelines establish criteria for the selection of areas, conditions for company participation and parameters for project exploration, paving the way for the drafting of public notices and auction launches.

Coppe/UFRJ has participated in this process since its preparatory stages, contributing with technical studies that support the formulation of these guidelines. In March, professors Milad Shadman and Amaro Pereira (from the Ocean Engineering and Energy Planning Programs, respectively) were in Brasília to present the study “Support for the selection and concession process of areas for offshore wind energy in Brazil,” during the Brazil-United Kingdom Offshore Wind Energy Workshop.

Coordinated by Milad, the work was developed by Coppe researchers – in the Ocean Engineering and Energy Planning Programs – in partnership with ORE Catapult, financed by the British government.

Based on the United Kingdom’s experience — a global reference in the sector — the study analyzes how to adapt international models to the Brazilian reality, offering technical support for governmental planning and decision-making, which now reflect the approved guidelines. 

O estudo também aborda aspectos técnicos essenciais, como os efeitos de esteira entre turbinas e entre os parques (wake effects, fenômeno onde turbinas eólicas que estão na frente afetam o fluxo de vento que chega às turbinas de trás), fundamentais para otimizar a disposição dos parques e maximizar sua eficiência, além de questões regulatórias e modelos de comercialização de energia.

Among the main results, the study highlights an estimated technical potential of approximately 98 GW, equivalent to about seven Itaipu Binacional power plants operating at full capacity and almost half of Brazil’s current installed capacity. This estimate considers areas delimited between regions with a depth of up to 50 meters (bathymetric line) and distances of up to 30 kilometers from the coast.

The study also addresses essential technical aspects, such as wake effects between turbines and between wind farms (a phenomenon where wind turbines in the front affect the wind flow reaching the turbines in the back), which are fundamental for optimizing the layout of wind farms and maximizing their efficiency, in addition to regulatory issues and energy trading models.

According to researchers, these analyses offer a solid basis to orient decisions on maritime zoning, port planning and public policies that ensure the safe, efficient and competitive development of the sector.

For professor Milad Shadman, the country is at a decisive moment: “Offshore wind energy has the potential to become a strategic industry, generating jobs and significant socioeconomic impacts, boosting sectors such as logistics, port infrastructure, and the shipbuilding industry. In this context, it will be an important driver in Brazil’s neo-industrialization process”.

The concession process continues to be coordinated by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, through an interministerial group with the participation of 17 ministries.

Despite logistical challenges — such as the need to adapt ports and shipyards — researchers highlight that Brazil already has a relevant industrial base, which can serve as a foundation for the development of the production chain.

They also highlight the importance of careful planning that considers the shared use of the sea and avoids conflicts with activities such as fishing, navigation, tourism and oil and gas exploration.

“Coppe’s participation from the beginning is fundamental to ensure that different perspectives — from academia, industry and the public sector — contribute to building a robust and balanced model”, concludes Milad Shadman.