Wedoany.com Report-Jun 12, Petrobras, Brazil’s state-owned oil and gas company, has announced tenders for geophysical and geotechnical studies to evaluate the potential for an offshore wind pilot project off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. These studies aim to assess the feasibility of developing renewable energy in the region.

The first tender focuses on gathering, processing, and analyzing geophysical data in ultra-shallow waters near João da Barra. It includes electrical tomography, bathymetric, and topographic surveys, covering a 1.5-square-kilometer area up to a depth of 10 meters. The second tender involves collecting geotechnical data in shallow and ultra-shallow waters, as well as beach environments, to support the project’s technical assessments.

Both tenders are scheduled to close on June 26, 2025, with documents accessible through the Petronect procurement platform under IDs 7004452335 and 7004460462. Interested parties can obtain further details via the platform to participate in the bidding process.

In 2024, Petrobras formalized a partnership with the Rio de Janeiro state government by signing a Protocol of Intentions. This agreement supports collaborative studies to determine the viability of the offshore wind pilot project, marking a step toward sustainable energy development in Brazil.

A 2023 study by DNV for the World Bank Group highlighted Brazil’s significant offshore wind potential, estimating over 1,200 GW of technical capacity. This includes 480 GW from fixed-bottom wind technologies and 748 GW from floating wind systems, underscoring the country’s renewable energy opportunities.

In early 2025, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed legislation establishing a regulatory framework for offshore wind development. The law outlines procedures for allocating and permitting offshore wind areas, providing clarity for future projects.

This initiative reflects Brazil’s commitment to exploring renewable energy sources, leveraging its coastal resources to support sustainable growth. The Rio de Janeiro pilot project could pave the way for broader offshore wind development in the country.