A Preliminary Approach of the Technical Feasibility of Offshore Wind Projects along the Brazilian Coast

This work seeks to demonstrate the technical feasibility of offshore wind projects by calculating the preliminary estimate of wind energy production in the Brazilian marine environment, through a simplified methodology based on currently available data in a case study performed with the application of wind turbines. The Exclusive Economic Zone of Brazil is about 3.6 million km2, an area that can be harnessed for offshore wind energy production. The case study was conducted in Itamaracá Island, Pernambuco state with the aim of supplying the local energy demands. An analysis was carried out on the local wind conditions through an ocean wind map measured at a height of 10 m, and therefore, the wind speed was extrapolated to 90 m using the logarithmic law. The Weibull frequency distribution and the annual energy production were calculated. The results presented showed that three wind turbines at a rated power of 3 MW, including a calculated annual average wind speed of 7.15 m/s would generate around 30,000 MWh/year, which would be sufficient to ensure energy throughout the year in Itamaracá Island.