Built by ENGIE in the municipalities of Umburanas and Santo Sé in the state of Bahia, the Campo Largo 2 Wind Complex has received authorization from the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) to begin the commercial operations of its first wind farm. After passing a period of test operations, during which the equipment was shown to be working well and the operation secure, the wind turbines are now feeding energy into the National Interconnected System – SIN. The viability of the Complex was made possible thanks to its more than a 100 energy contracts with free energy consumers.

At an investment of R$ 1.6 billion, the Campo Largo 2 consists of 86 wind turbines and a total installed capacity of 361,2 MW. When the Complex is fully operational, ENGIE will have 1,262.8 MW of installed capacity of wind power in Brazil, more than 1,000MW of it in the state of Bahia alone. In addition,  the new project consolidates the Company’s capacity in renewable energy and expands its portfolio, increasing the offer of energy in the Free Contracting Environment.

“Campo Largo 2 represents the consolidation of the Company in wind power. We have surpassed the 1GW mark in installed capacity, reinforcing Brazil’s vocation for clean and renewable energy and for a carbon neutral economy. In addition,  we are supplying more energy to the free consumer that can now contract loads tailor-made to their needs,  achieving a significant reduction in energy costs and optimizing the growth of their business”, points out ENGIE Brasil Energia’s Chief Executive Officer, Eduardo Sattamini.

On January 15, ENGIE announced a start on the installation of the Santo Agostinho Wind Complex, situated in the municipalities of Lajes and Pedro Avelino, 120 km  from the city of Natal in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, with the signing of an agreement with Siemens Gamesa to supply wind turbines. Civil construction work is scheduled to begin in June 2021 and the investment is estimated at approximately R$ 2.2 billion.

Investment in social projects

ENGIE continues to invest in social projects  in the municipalities of Umburanas and Sento Sé in Bahia. With the injection of  an additional R$ 2 million, the initiatives are designed to stimulate social insertion and improve the quality of life of the communities through access to culture, health and sport, among others. In all, ENGIE has already invested R$ 17.1 million in  social outreach projects during the installation of its three wind complexes  in the region: Campo Largo 1, Umburanas and Campo Largo 2.

Social initiatives currently at the implementation stage include the construction  of a community center for the Campo Largo Community, the installation of a piazza and sports court in the Rodoleiro Community, the setting up of an atelier as well as one more community orchard and a Digital Empowerment Center for holding courses, organized for providing opportunities for learning, entrepreneurship, income creation  and civic engagement for the local community.

Sattamini adds that social projects are very important because they allow changes and  direct improvements in people’s reality. “The investment in locations where we have our businesses is recognition of the good relationship we have with the municipalities and their communities. Our stakeholders are a fundamental component in the success of our projects”, he concludes.