Petrobras Launches Offshore Wind Pilot Near Rio Coast

Petrobras, Brazil’s state-controlled oil and gas giant, has initiated two tenders for a pilot offshore wind project located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state.

Geophysical and Geotechnical Surveys Planned

One of the tenders focuses on collecting and analyzing geophysical data in ultra-shallow waters near São João da Barra. This effort will include the use of electrical tomography, bathymetry, and topographical mapping over a 1.5-square-kilometer area, reaching depths of approximately 10 meters.

The second tender is aimed at gathering geotechnical data from shallow to ultra-shallow waters and coastal beach areas, which will support the foundational planning of the wind pilot project.

Brazil’s Expanding Offshore Wind Ambitions

A 2024 study by DNV for the World Bank Group estimated that Brazil’s offshore wind capacity could exceed 1.2 terawatts, split between 480 GW from fixed-bottom structures and 748 GW from floating technologies.

The report highlighted offshore wind as a key enabler of Brazil’s green hydrogen goals, with the potential to stimulate economic development and job creation. Estimates suggest the sector could produce up to 516,000 full-time jobs and add around $168 billion to the country’s gross value.

Regulatory Backing and Growing Interest

In January 2025, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva officially approved the advancement of offshore wind development in Brazil, reinforcing the government’s commitment to renewable energy.

As of December 2024, the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) reported 103 offshore wind projects pending environmental licensing—further evidence of growing momentum in the sector.