June 20 (Renewables Now) - The government of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ocean Winds to cooperate on the implementation of offshore wind projects with a combined potential exceeding 7 GW.

Specifically, the company is looking to develop the 700-MW Marinha de Tramandai project off the North Coast and the Ventos do Sul scheme off the South Coast with a potential of 6.5 GW.

The state government estimates that these offshore wind projects represent a combined investment of BRL 100 billion (USD 19.5bn/EUR 18.6bn).

Ocean Winds' director of new business development, Jose Partida Solano, stated that he expects the two wind parks to begin operation by 2030.

In addition to Marinha de Tramandai and Ventos do Sul, Ocean Winds is working on three other projects in Brazil. The company, which recently officially landed in Brazil, is currently seeking environmental permits from local regulator IBAMA for 15.2 GW in total.

The Rio Grande do Sul government highlighted the state's strong potential for renewables, particularly wind power, with a potential for 100 GW onshore and 114 GW offshore.

(BRL 1.0 = USD 0.195/EUR 0.186)

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