A wind turbine used to generate electricity is seen in the coastal of the city of Fortaleza, Brazil, April 26, 2017. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker/File Photo
SAO PAULO: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has signed into law a bill authorising the development of offshore wind farms, in a bid to strengthen the country’s energy security and spark a wave of investment.
The new law foresees incentives for the development of offshore energy projects in Brazilian territorial waters, the statement said late last Friday.
Offshore wind speeds tend to be faster and steadier, a potential advantage compared with wind farms built on land.
But offshore wind farms can be expensive, difficult to build and potentially affect marine animals and birds, according to the American Geosciences Institute.
The Brazilian government said the law provides guidelines for projects and restoration of explored areas, in addition to requiring prior consultations with affected communities to ensure “respect for traditional maritime practices and local culture”.
More than 80% of Brazil’s electricity comes from renewable sources, mainly hydroelectric, according to government data. — Reuters
