Casa dos Ventos, a reference in renewable energy generation and a protagonist in Brazil's energy transition, and ArcelorMittal Brasil, the largest steel producer in the country, announce the early commercial operation of the Babilônia Centro Wind Complex, built and operated by the two companies. The project, located in Bahia, already has 28 wind turbines operating, out of a total of 123. This represents an anticipation of 13 weeks compared to the project's original schedule.
The anticipation, approved in January by the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL), reinforces Casa dos Ventos' track record in delivering projects ahead of schedule, made possible by close management of suppliers, a highly qualified technical team, and robust planning. "The early operation, a result of our constant pursuit of efficiency and commitment to excellence, positions Casa dos Ventos as a benchmark in the renewable energy market. Our industry knowledge and the quality of our team were fundamental to this achievement," highlights Lucas Araripe, executive director of Casa dos Ventos.
"The Babilônia Centro Wind Complex demonstrates ArcelorMittal's commitment to decarbonization through the application of renewable energy in its production process. Globally, the Group was a pioneer in the sector by setting the global goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In this journey, the energy transition is a fundamental step, which is why we are expanding our investments in energy projects in Brazil, totaling R$ 5.8 billion," states Jefferson De Paula, president of ArcelorMittal Brasil and CEO of Long Products and Mining LATAM. "We are also proud to see our XCarb steel, with a low carbon footprint, applied in the construction of such a relevant project."
During the construction peak, more than 1,400 professionals are involved, boosting job creation and stimulating the local economy. In total, the project will generate more than 4,500 direct and indirect jobs.
A circular and sustainable project
The foundation of the wind turbines in this wind complex is made with ArcelorMittal 50 S XCarb rebar, a low-carbon footprint steel produced exclusively by the company in its Brazilian plants.
The production of ArcelorMittal 50 S XCarb uses 100% metallic scrap as raw material in its composition and 100% renewable electricity, ensuring a reduction of around 60% in emissions compared to the company's traditional rebar. This special production classifies the rebar in the "XCarb - Recycled and Renewably Produced" category.
The Babilônia Centro Wind Complex will become hybrid with an additional solar plant, reaching a total installed capacity of 800MW upon completion. The project's conclusion will integrate the hybridization of energy generation on site, combining wind and solar sources to optimize production and ensure greater efficiency. In addition to accelerating the energy transition, hybrid complexes also maximize the use of connection and energy distribution infrastructures.
About ArcelorMittal
The largest steel producer in Brazil and a global market leader, the ArcelorMittal Group has approximately 127,000 employees, with 20,000 in Brazil, and serves customers in 140 countries, with the purpose of creating intelligent steels for people and the planet.
The company has industrial units in eight states (MG, ES, RJ, SC, CE, BA, SP, and MS), in addition to the largest distribution network in the country. It was the first company in the Americas with a unit certified by ResponsibleSteel, one of the most respected ESG certifications in the world.
The Brazilian plants have an annual production capacity of 15.5 million tons of crude steel and 5.1 million tons of iron ore and serve the automotive, home appliance, civil construction, oil and gas, machinery and equipment industries, among others.
The company also operates in areas such as self-consumption energy generation, production of renewable bioreducer (charcoal from planted eucalyptus forests), and information technology.
