Enel, through its Brazilian renewable energy subsidiary, Enel Green Power Brasil Participacoes Ltda., started construction of the 716-megawatt (MW) Lagoa dos Ventos wind farm in Brazil's northeastern state of Piaui, the Italian group announced on Wednesday.
The wind farm, which is expected to enter into operation in 2021, is the largest wind facility currently under construction in South America and Enel Green Power's largest wind farm worldwide, according to the statement.
Lagoa dos Ventos, financed through the Group’s own sources, will amount to around 3 billion Brazilian reals, or over €700 million.
The facility, comprising of 230 wind turbines, once fully up and running will be able to generate over 3.3 terawatt-hours per year, while avoiding over 1.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions.
'The start of construction of this record-breaking wind project in Brazil is a major milestone for our presence in the country, which continues to be one of the most prominent markets for Enel Green Power,' said Antonio Cammisecra, head of the Enel Group’s global renewable energy business line, Enel Green Power.
'As the largest wind facility for Enel Green Power worldwide, Lagoa dos Ventos will set a new, higher standard in the construction of large sustainable energy infrastructure, further contributing to the diversification of the country’s energy mix,' Cammisecra added.
The wind facility has 20-year power supply contracts for 510 MW with a pool of distribution companies operating in the country’s regulated market, while the remaining 206 MW will be delivered to the free market for sale to retail customers.
By Firdevs Yuksel
Anadolu Agency
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