Among the key actors capable of reshaping the renewable energy landscape are the BRICS countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, (Ethiopia is a member of BRICS but a landlocked country), Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Collectively these nations represent not only immense demand for clean energy, but also a unique opportunity for technological cooperation, investment alignment and policy coordination.
Here we spotlight Brazil and how the country can use its significant experience in renewable electricity to capitalise on its vast offshore wind potential.
Brazil has one of the largest technical potentials for offshore wind among BRICS countries, with estimates of 1.2 terawatts (TW) distributed across the Northeast, Southeast and South regions. Despite this significant potential, the country currently has no installed projects and has 104 projects in the environmental licensing phase with IBAMA – the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources.
Recommendations for Capitalising on Brazil's Offshore Wind Opportunities
Download PDFThis document presents a set of 10 insights and recommendations, developed alongside our partners Associação Brasileira de Energia Eólica (ABEEólica) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), acting as a guide to the sustainable development of offshore wind in Brazil.
The approval of Law No 15,097/2025, which establishes the sector’s legal framework, along with complementary decrees and regulations, marks a decisive step toward structuring the first auctions and attracting investments.
However, challenges remain related to defining area selection criteria, auction structuring, financial guarantees, grid expansion, and port adaptation. Ports such as Pecém (CE), Açu (RJ), and Rio Grande (RS) stand out as potential logistics hubs but still require significant infrastructure investments.
Brazil’s experience in sectors like offshore oil and gas and onshore wind can foster synergies for developing a local supply chain, particularly in the manufacturing of components, vessels and workforce training.
Although the country does not have specific offshore wind targets, its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) calls for a 59% to 67% reduction in emissions by 2035, making this energy source strategic for meeting climate goals.
Beyond increasing the share of renewables in the energy matrix (which is already 50% renewable today), offshore wind can boost coastal industrial development, decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, and create skilled jobs.
Brazil is also well positioned to share its experience with other BRICS members in the early stages of development, such as Egypt, Iran, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates, while benefitting from South-South cooperation with countries like China, which already have mature supply chains in the sector.
To find out more about the untapped potential for offshore wind across the BRICS countries, read our new report here.