300‑MW wind complex in Uruguaiana receives preliminary license, paving the way for a US$1.5 billion investment in Rio Grande do Sul.
The energy landscape of Rio Grande do Sul gains new momentum with the acquisition of the Preliminary License (LP) for the Camoati Wind Complex, located in Uruguaiana, on the state’s Western Frontier. The project, led by JR Energias Renováveis with technical support from EPCOR Energia, represents a potential investment of R$1.5 billion and aims to add 300 MW of wind generation capacity to the state’s portfolio.
The decision by the State Foundation for Environmental Protection (Fepam) confirms the project’s environmental viability at its initial planning stage. However, the document does not authorize the start of construction, marking only a significant step in the complex environmental licensing process.
Progress in Licensing and Next Steps
The Preliminary License is a crucial milestone, as it confirms that the project, in its conception, is environmentally compatible with the designated area. Nevertheless, JR Energias Renováveis must meet a series of environmental conditions and obtain subsequent permits, such as the Installation License, before the wind turbine blades begin to spin.
The complex plans to install approximately 52 wind turbines, each with a nominal capacity of 5.7 MW. The final total power will still be refined during detailed engineering stages and grid connection studies, which are decisive for the project’s feasibility.
João Rene Moreira, director of JR Energias Renováveis, stated:
“The Camoati Complex was designed to harness the energy potential of the Western Frontier and integrate two renewable sources into a large‑scale venture. The issuance of the Preliminary License marks an important step in the project’s development and reinforces our commitment to technical planning, environmental responsibility, and the expansion of clean energy supply in Rio Grande do Sul.”
Integration of Sources and Structure for the Future
The Complexo Camoati proposal includes integration with photovoltaic solar generation, although details about the capacity and area allocated to the solar parcel have not yet been disclosed. This synergy between wind and solar aims to optimize the use of renewable resources in the region.
The total area dedicated to the project covers about 15,229 hectares on the Fazenda Camoati, requiring an integrated plan that encompasses environmental studies, engineering, land management, and electrical infrastructure.
The final capacity of the wind farm will be defined after the consolidation of technical and regulatory studies, including the final configuration of the associated transmission line and studies of access to the national electrical system. Connecting to the grid and determining where the generated energy will be dispatched are essential factors for the project’s realization.
Wind Expansion in the State
The Complexo Camoati fits into a context of strong potential for expanding wind generation in Rio Grande do Sul. Recent data indicated a significant number of wind projects at various stages of development in the state, totaling gigawatts of power. However, the transition from development to actual construction depends on factors such as licensing, financial structuring, and feasibility of grid access.
The JR Energias Renováveis has a diversified portfolio in renewable energies, with approximately 5 GW in projects. The Complexo Camoati emerges as a standout initiative within this portfolio, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the energy transition and the expansion of clean energy supply in Brazil. Consolidating engineering and defining the next regulatory and connection steps will be crucial to determine the implementation schedule and the start of the project’s construction.