Wind energy

In 2011, the total amount of financing approved for the generation of wind energy was R$ 3.4 billion, representing an increase of 173%, in comparison to 2010. Some 43 wind parks were financed, with an installed capacity of 1,160 MW and total investments of R$ 5.3 billion. It should be emphasized that, with the success of the alternative sources and reserve energy auctions, and that of the 13th Auction for the Purchase of Electric Power Originating from New Generation Ventures (Auction A-5, in 2011), there is an even more expressive perspective for growth for 2012.

It is also important to mention that the wind parks supported by the BNDES are developed to minimize environmental impacts resulting from their construction, while enhancing the benefits from their implementation. They are developed under the BNDES’ Surroundings Policy, with social investments that contribute to the territorial sustainable development. They also include participation of the local government, local society and other leadership groups that have participated in discussions on investment proposals and now participate in the implementation of the projects.

The financing contracts between the BNDES and the entrepreneurs responsible for constructing the wind parks include amounts earmarked for social investments, totaling R$ 26 million, to be used to promote, within the local community: (a) the training of specialized labor in local communities; (b) investments for local infrastructure; (c) diversification of the local economy; (d) stimulus to attract new economic activities to the municipalities where the undertakings are located; and (e) investments in environmental programs to foster the awareness of local communities.

The majority of wind park undertakings will be built in the semi-arid area of the Northeastern region, where the Human Development Index (HDI) is below the Northeastern average.

Visualizing the growth potential of wind energy generation in the country, new wind turbine manufactures have signed up in the BNDES manufacturers’ registration to supply equipment, in accordance with the nationalization levels required by the BNDES. They are: Acciona, Alstom, IMPSA, Gamesa, GE, Siemens, Suzlon, Vestas, Wobben and WEG.

The presence of these new manufacturers has created more competitiveness in the wind energy generation segment, which has allowed a significant reduction in the invested value per MW installed, and a path of cost reduction in the energy being commercialized, as can be seen in the results of the latest auctions of alternative sources and reserve energy. The price of commercialized energy coming from wind parks dropped from R$ 305/MWh in 2005 to R$ 100.9/MWh in 2011, representing a relevant contribution to reducing tariffs.

Among the operations approved in 2011, those made with Renova Energia, Serveng, IMPSA, Enerfin, DESA, Contour Global, EDP and Galvão, stand apart.