Innovative partnership between Petrobras, WEG, and Statkraft puts into operation the largest onshore wind turbine in the Americas

Petrobras, WEG, and Statkraft have put into operation the largest onshore wind turbine in the Americas. Petrobras contributed R$ 130 million, originating from the R&D clause with the ANP, and established a partnership with WEG, a global Brazilian company of electrical and electronic equipment, to develop the equipment. The project also received contributions from BNDES and the Federal Government through the Ministry of the Environment. Built by WEG, with 7MW of installed capacity, it can generate around 2,500 MWh/month, equivalent to the annual consumption of about 15,000 Brazilian households. 
 
The wind turbine was purchased and installed by Statkraft in the modernization project of the Seabra Wind Farm, in the Brotas de Macaúbas Complex, in Bahia. The R&D clause is part of the concession contracts for oil and natural gas exploration and production, and requires companies to invest a percentage of their gross revenue, generated by large-production fields, in Research, Development, and Innovation projects. 
 
“This is an important milestone. The theoretical and practical expertise we accumulated during this development will support other renewable generation projects, reinforcing our commitment to diversification in low-carbon businesses,” says Angélica Laureano, Petrobras’ Director of Energy Transition and Sustainability. 
 
“By directing part of its investments to co-create a new generation of wind energy equipment, Petrobras acquires knowledge that may support the company in future projects, in addition to contributing to the diversification of the Brazilian energy matrix,” highlights Petrobras’ Director of Engineering, Technology, and Innovation, Renata Baruzzi. 
 
For João Paulo Gualberto da Silva, Superintendent Director of WEG Energia, “The development of the 7 MW wind turbine reflects our capacity for innovation and consolidates WEG’s role as a leading player in the advancement of wind energy. This project, in addition to being a technological milestone, reinforces our commitment to solutions that promote energy efficiency and sustainability.” 
 
The modernization of the Brotas de Macaúbas Complex will bring significant gains in efficiency and productivity, taking advantage of the excellent wind conditions in the region. As a result, the venture will continue contributing to the supply of thousands of households with clean energy, maintaining its relevance in the Brazilian wind power sector. 
 
“The partnership between Statkraft, WEG, and Petrobras to build the largest onshore wind turbine in the American continent not only reaffirms our commitment to innovation and operational efficiency but also contributes to a cleaner energy matrix and sets a new standard for the Brazilian electric sector,” highlights Thiago Tomazzoli, CEO of Statkraft. 
 
One of the advantages of the new wind turbine is the reduction in the cost of energy. With this capacity, it produces more electricity per unit of occupied area, reducing the need for the installation of multiple wind turbines. This also optimizes land use and tends to lower overall installation and maintenance costs.

  
Partnerships 

The agreement between Petrobras and WEG, signed in 2023, included the development of technologies for the manufacturing of wind turbine components suited to the country’s wind conditions, as well as the construction and testing of a prototype, with technical and commercial counterpart benefits for Petrobras. Statkraft joined as a WEG customer and acquired the wind turbine that was installed in the Seabra Wind Farm, within the Brotas de Macaúbas Wind Complex, in the municipality of the same name, in Bahia. The equipment, which completed its commissioning phase in July, stands 220 meters tall from the ground to the tip of the blade—equivalent to the height of six Christ the Redeemer statues—and weighs 1,830 tons, corresponding to about 1,660 compact cars or 44 Boeing 737 aircraft. WEG expects that it may be produced in series based on market demand for new wind projects. 

 
About WEG 

Founded in 1961, WEG is a global company of electrical and electronic equipment, operating in the capital goods sector with a focus on motors, gearboxes and electric drives, power generators and transformers, products and systems for electrification, automation, and digitalization. WEG stands out in innovation through its constant development of solutions to meet major trends in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electric mobility. With industrial operations in 18 countries and commercial presence in more than 135 countries, the company has over 47,000 employees worldwide. In 2024, WEG reached net revenue of R$38 billion, of which 57% came from sales made outside Brazil. 

 
About Statkraft 

With more than 7,000 employees in over 20 countries, Statkraft is one of the leaders in hydropower internationally and the largest renewable energy generator in Europe. In Brazil, the company has 2.2 GW of installed capacity in renewable assets, in addition to operating in energy trading with a portfolio of commercial and industrial clients across various sectors. The company is a pioneer in offering traceable renewable energy in Brazil through the International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC).