WEG, Petrobras, and Statkraft Brings Onshore Wind Turbine into Operation

WEG, Petrobras, and Statkraft have put into operation the largest onshore wind turbine in the Americas. Petrobras invested BRL 130 million, originating from the R&D clause with ANP, and partnered with WEG, a global Brazilian manufacturer of electrical and electronic equipment, to develop the turbine. The project also received financing from BNDES and support from the Federal Government through the Ministry of the Environment. Built by WEG, with 7MW of installed capacity, it can generate around 2,500 MWh per month, equivalent to the annual consumption of about 15,000 Brazilian homes.

The wind turbine was purchased and installed by Statkraft as part of the modernization of the Seabra Wind Farm, located in the Brotas de Macaúbas Complex, in Bahia. The R&D clause is part of concession contracts for oil and natural gas exploration and production, requiring companies to invest a percentage of their gross revenue, generated by high-production fields, into Research, Development, and Innovation projects.

“This is an important milestone. The theoretical and practical expertise we gained during this development will support other renewable generation projects, reinforcing our commitment to diversification into low-carbon businesses,” said Angélica Laureano, Petrobras’ director of energy transition and sustainability.

“By directing part of its investments to co-create a new generation of wind energy equipment, Petrobras acquires knowledge that may support future projects, while also contributing to the diversification of Brazil’s energy matrix,” highlighted Renata Baruzzi, Petrobras’ director of engineering, technology, and innovation.

For João Paulo Gualberto da Silva, managing director of WEG Energia, “The development of the 7MW wind turbine reflects our innovation capacity and consolidates WEG’s role as a key player in advancing wind energy. This project, in addition to being a technological milestone, reinforces our commitment to solutions that promote energy efficiency and sustainability.”

The modernization of the Brotas de Macaúbas Complex will bring significant efficiency and productivity gains, leveraging the region’s excellent wind conditions. As a result, the venture will continue to supply thousands of households with clean energy, maintaining its relevance in Brazil’s wind power sector.

“The partnership between Statkraft, WEG, and Petrobras to build the largest onshore wind turbine in the Americas not only reaffirms our commitment to innovation and operational efficiency but also contributes to a cleaner energy matrix and sets a new standard for the Brazilian power sector,” said Thiago Tomazzoli, Statkraft’s CEO.

One of the advantages of the new turbine is the reduction in energy costs. With this capacity, it produces more electricity per unit of occupied area, reducing the need to install multiple turbines. This also optimizes land use and tends to lower overall installation and maintenance costs.

The agreement between Petrobras and WEG, signed in 2023, included the development of technologies for the manufacturing of turbine components tailored to the country’s wind conditions, as well as the construction and testing of a prototype, with technical and commercial benefits for Petrobras. Statkraft acted as WEG’s client, acquiring the turbine installed in the Seabra Wind Farm, part of the Brotas de Macaúbas Wind Complex, in the municipality of the same name, in Bahia. The turbine, commissioned in July, reaches 220 meters from the ground to the tip of the blade—equivalent to the height of 70-story building—and weighs 1,830 tons, roughly the same as 1,660 compact cars or 44 Boeing 737 aircraft. WEG expects it may be produced on a large scale depending on market demand for new wind projects.

weg.net