Brazil has introduced regulations for offshore wind development, outlining the procedures for site allocation, permit structuring, and development area definition.
These guidelines were established by a resolution adopted by the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) on April 1, regulating the Law on Offshore Wind Energy passed in January 2025.
The approval aligns with the legal framework sanctioned in January 2025 and the timelines set for the Offshore Wind Energy Working Group (GT-EO), instituted in October 2025, the Council noted on April 1.
Criteria for identifying offshore areas include an initial reference distance of 12 nautical miles from the coast, adjustable based on technical, environmental, economic, and social studies.
Technical studies will be conducted by the Energy Research Company (EPE) with support from the Offshore Wind Energy Working Group to evaluate this locational parameter, potentially revising it based on technical, economic, environmental, and social factors, the CNPE stated.
The resolution allows CNPE to designate priority development areas and lays the foundation for future tenders.
A central digital system, the Offshore Area Management Single Portal (PUG Offshore), will manage administrative processes, including obtaining the Declaration of Prior Interference (DIP), necessary for offshore project development. The framework promotes greater integration between federal authorities overseeing energy, environment, maritime activities, and industrial policy, according to the CNPE.
Brazil’s offshore wind potential is estimated at around 1,200 GW across the Northeast, Southeast, and South regions. The sector is expected to drive large-scale industrial development and job creation, with more than 500,000 jobs estimated by 2050, the CNPE reports.
Next steps include preparing a draft regulatory decree for the Offshore Wind Energy Law enacted in January 2025 and the approval process for Prior Interference Declarations (DIPs) by May 2026. Actions will include identifying areas for future tenders and the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) issuing a Guidelines Ordinance to start planned bidding.
Additional Resources
Learn more about Brazil’s Offshore Wind Energy Potential.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz