Ibama: First Preliminary License for Offshore Wind Turbine Testing Site in Brazil
Ibama has issued Brazil’s first preliminary environmental license for an offshore wind project. The license was granted to the Offshore Wind Turbine Testing Site, led by the SENAI Institute for Renewable Energy Innovation, and located off the coast of Areia Branca, in Rio Grande do Norte state, with a proposed capacity of up to 24.5 MW
The objective is to generate environmental and operational data for future offshore wind developments.
This preliminary license confirms the project’s environmental viability at the planning stage but does not authorize construction or operation. It is the first of three stages followed by installation and operational licenses. The timeline for full approval may range from months to years, depending on compliance and monitoring outcomes.
Ibama’s technical review led to the implementation of 13 programs, including underwater noise monitoring, wildlife impact studies, professional training and stakeholder engagement, key actions to ensure the project’s environmental integrity.
It sets a regulatory precedent and builds foundational knowledge for the country’s offshore wind potential, but, do you believe offshore wind has real space to grow in Brazil’s energy mix?
