Brazil president signs offshore wind development bill into law – JURIST

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva signed a bill authorizing the development of offshore wind farms into law on Friday. The bill seeks to enhance Brazil’s energy security and stimulate investment.

The legislation establishes the regulatory framework for offshore wind energy utilization in Brazil, provides incentives for industry development and job creation, and strengthens energy security. It also defines permissible locations for energy generation, including the country’s territorial sea, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf. Moreover, the law ensures the rights of affected people and communities to informed consultation before offshore projects proceed.

The president, however, vetoed Articles 22, 23, and 24, which contained unrelated provisions known as “jabutis.” The veto, supported by various government ministries, aimed to protect consumers from rising energy tariffs and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector.

According to government data, 84 percent of Brazil’s electrical grid is powered by renewable energy. Additionally, Brazil hosts some of the world’s largest hydroelectric plants—including Itaipu, Belo Monte, Tucuruí, Paulo Afonso, and Ilha Solteira.

An offshore wind farm, powered by the force of the wind at sea, is a renewable energy source that does not produce greenhouse gas emissions, which cause climate change. According to the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), as of December 2024, there were 103 offshore wind farm projects in Brazil awaiting licensing approval.