Casa dos Ventos, one of the pioneers and largest investors in the development of wind projects in Brazil, signed a long-term renewable energy purchase and sale agreement with Vulcabras Azaleia, owner of the Azaleia, Dijean, Olympikus, Under Armour, and Botas Vulcabras brands, to supply wind energy to the company's operations – in a volume that represents its total consumption.
With an investment of R$ 2.4 billion and an installed capacity of 504 MW, the Rio do Vento wind complex, in Rio Grande do Norte, is made up of eight parks, which allows for the negotiation of contracts in the free market with large companies from different sectors. Repeating the model signed with the mining company Vale last year, in addition to the energy purchase and sale agreement, Vulcabras Azaleia may also become a partner in the plant, thus becoming an energy self-producer.
"We created a customized model that meets the different needs of companies, from energy-intensive ones, like Vale, to those with less electricity demand, but who are already thinking about decarbonizing their energy," explained Lucas Araripe, New Business Director at Casa dos Ventos. "The unique wind conditions in the region, combined with the economies of scale of the enterprise, allow us to offer contracts at very competitive rates. Furthermore, our partner has the possibility, in the future, to become a shareholder in the asset, thus benefiting from being a self-producer," he added.
Rio do Vento has 120 V150-4.2 MW turbines from the Danish company Vestas, a world leader in the manufacture of wind turbines, and is located in the municipalities of Caiçara do Rio do Vento, Riachuelo, Ruy Barbosa, and Bento Fernandes. Commercial operation of the complex is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2021.
Expansion
The Rio Grande do Norte wind complex still has expansion and hybridization capacity through the insertion of solar energy. The enterprise, which starts with 504 MW, is expected to be doubled, reaching an installed capacity of 1 GW.
Free market
The viability of renewable projects through corporate contracts is a proven trend in Brazil. A large number of companies are gradually acquiring renewable energy, seeking sustainable development and the decarbonization of their activities. According to a report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) consultancy, in 2019, active corporate clean energy supply jumped 384% in the country, reaching 640 MW. "In addition to the growing trend of companies with sustainability goals, the cost of wind power has reached a level where this alternative is also becoming the best from an economic point of view," explained Araripe.
"In this new phase of Casa dos Ventos, we want to democratize access for companies seeking a clean energy transition with intelligence and efficiency," concluded the executive. The predictability in longer-term contracts is also an attraction for companies, which protect themselves from price volatilities. In addition to Folha Larga Sul, Rio do Vento, and its expansion, the company is developing a third project of 350 MW in Bahia, also targeting long-term corporate contracts.
