GE has received commitments for supplying wind turbines for more than 400 MW of new capacity to be developed in Brazil. This will be the first time GE wind energy technology is deployed in this South American country.

The Brazilian government has held its first energy only auction in December 2009, with focus on wind power. This auction resulted in more than 1.8 GW of wind generation awarded to various developers and utilities in the country, and abroad. DESA (Dobreve Energia, S.A.) received rights for 144 MW of capacity to be developed in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, while Renova Energia was awarded rights for 270 MW of capacity in the state of Bahia. Both companies have chosen GE's 1.5 MW wind turbines to be used in these projects. Both projects are expected to be completed by July 2012.

So far, Brazil has relied mostly on hydropower for generating clean electricity. The country is now trying to turn its focus more on other forms of renewable energy, to create a more diversified portfolio. Brazil has favorable wind conditions all along its 4600 mile coastline. Currently, the country has about 600 MW of installed wind capacity, with another 450 MW under development.

[source: GE]