Brazil: A partnership between WEG, Petrobras and Statkraft has brought into operation the largest onshore wind turbine in the Americas, marking a milestone in Brazil’s energy transition.
The new turbine, developed and built by WEG, has an installed capacity of 7 MW and is capable of generating around 2,500 MWh per month, enough to supply about 15,000 households every year. Standing at 220 m and weighing 1,830 t, it was installed by Statkraft at the Seabra Wind Farm, part of the Brotas de Macaúbas Complex in Bahia.
The project was supported by Petrobras, which invested $24.5 M (BRL130 M) from its Research and Development clause, with financing from BNDES and backing from Brazil’s Ministry of the Environment. The initiative aims not only to boost clean energy capacity but also to generate knowledge for future renewable projects.
Petrobras said the experience gained will support its diversification into low-carbon businesses, while WEG highlighted the technological achievement as evidence of Brazil’s growing role in advanced wind energy. Statkraft, which purchased and installed the turbine, emphasised that the project improves operational efficiency and optimises land use by producing more electricity with fewer turbines.
The modernisation of the Brotas de Macaúbas Complex is expected to improve efficiency and productivity, strengthening the region’s role in Brazil’s renewable energy mix. Depending on market demand, WEG indicated that the 7 MW turbine could be produced on a larger scale for future projects.
Source: WEG
