Title: The wind potential in the Brazilian scenario

Authors: Amanda Maria Bizzinotto Ferreira; José Gustavo Coelho; Francisco Aurilo Azevedo Pinho

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Technological and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Technological and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Technological and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil

Abstract: The present paper presents an overview of the Brazilian wind potential based on data obtained from wind maps elaborated nationwide and statewide. The electricity generation potential and the available wind potential of the country are analysed for different heights and wind conditions. Both the onshore and offshore potential are considered in the estimates. An overview of the electricity consumption in the country and of the Brazilian electricity generation and demand are presented, analysing the role wind energy plays in this scenario. The analysis of the Brazilian wind potential together with the analysis of the existing wind technology revealed a growing and prospective wind market in the country, which has great potential still to be explored and is increasing its wind capacity over the years. All kinds of wind technology can find a suitable application in Brazil and the country can see a better integration of the wind energy to its energy matrix, allowing for a higher participation of renewables, higher electricity offer and smaller environmental impact.

Keywords: Brazil; wind potential; onshore wind turbines; renewable energy; wind energy; wind power; electricity generation potential; offshore wind turbines; electricity consumption; energy demand; environmental impact.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETP.2017.084492

International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, 2017 Vol.13 No.3, pp.207 - 223

Received: 19 Aug 2015
Accepted: 24 Feb 2016
Published online: 09 Jun 2017 *

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