With its first ever wind-only energy auction to be held in December, Brazil is showing the world that it is serious about wind power.  

Brazil has long relied on its substantial hydropower resources, which currently supply over three-quarters of the nation’s energy.  However, with over 4,600 miles of windy coastline ripe for development, Brazil is looking to expand the role of wind energy in its national energy mix.  Brazil’s winds blow strongest during hte dry season, making wind power “very complimentary” to hydro, and an effective hedge against future instances of low rainfall.

To be held on December 14th, Brazil’s wind energy auction has already garnered preliminary bids from some of the world’s largest wind companies, including Energias de Portugal, Electricité de France, Iberdrola of Spain as well as several U.S. and Brazil- based companies.  The auction is expected to result in construction of 2GW of wind power and project investment of approx. $6 billion over the next two years.

Read the full article…