The wind power industry has experienced an exponential and virtuous growth in Brazil. From 2009 to 2012, in six auctions with participation of wind source, were hired 7 GW in new projects, representing over 25 billion dollars in investments. The trajectory of wind power is expected to reach in 2017, with 8.5 GW of installed capacity, which began with the Incentive Program for Alternative Sources of Electric Energy (Proinfa). Launched in 2004 and based on a structured model of funding and regional policies, Proinfa was responsible for hiring 1422.9 MW through subsidized prices. 2012 was marked by the celebration of the insertion of 2 GW of installed capacity of wind power in the national electricity system. Therefore, Brazil closed 2012 with 2.5 GW of installed wind power, and 2% stake in the Brazilian energy matrix. But it was also a year of great challenges and difficulties for wind power, which culminated in a relative slowdown for this industry. Even doing just one auction, that had the lowest contracted demand of all, of new energy auctions that were already made. A limited engagement also resulted in very low prices, because the competition was very fierce, the offer was 28 times greater than demand, so the event was closed with the average prices of R$ 90.00 per MWh. The wind industry is passing through a crucial phase of consolidation, showing an immature stage. The existence of 11 manufacturers each have production capacity of 500 MW average per year of equipment, not necessarily determines a supply of 5,000 MW in machines. Admittedly the year 2012, for hiring, was a year under expected and it was not a very exciting period, because the economy grew less than the expected in 2013. But is expected the return to growth of national GDP, around 4%, and resumption in hiring levels of electricity, enabling thus the maintenance of the sector target of 2.0 GW per year, ensuring the consolidation and sustainability of the industry in the long run.
Wind Energy; Power Generation; Auctions; Alternative Sources; Sustainability
