Neoenergia S A : Due to the size of the equipment, which measures around 10.1 meters in height and weighs 271.1 ...

The works of Neoenergia Oitis Wind Complex, the company's largest wind project in Brazil, located between Piauí and Bahia, are moving forward at an accelerated pace. The first of three transformers to be installed at Oitis substation, each with a capacity of 230 MVA, has just been delivered.

Produced by WEG in Betim (MG), the transformer arrived at the project after 45 days of travel, covering 3,297 kilometers. Due to the size of the equipment, which measures around 10.1 meters in height and weighs 271.1 tons (filled with oil), a complex logistical operation was required. The two remaining transformers will be delivered in December.

This is the equipment that transforms the energy generated in the turbines so that it is at adequate levels for the transmission system. In other words, at Oitis substation, where transformers will be installed, the voltage of the energy produced is raised to 500 kV so that it can travel along the transmission line to Queimada Nova II (PI) substation, connection point to the National Interconnected System (SIN).

"The Neoenergia Oitis Wind Complex is strategic for Neoenergia and we keep its construction at an accelerated pace to generate clean energy, contributing to the Brazilian electricity sector. Still in 2021, we will start assembling the first wind turbines, ahead of schedule set in the business plan, and we estimate that commercial operation will begin in the first half of 2022", says William Carneiro, Neoenergia's Renewable Projects manager.

Oitis will feature 12 farms, amounting to an installed capacity is 566.5 MW, enough to supply a city with 2.7 million inhabitants. It is a business in line with Neoenergia's ESG (environmental, social and governance) commitments. In addition, 96% of its energy will be sold on the free market, in line with the company's position in the liberalization of the Brazilian market.

The construction of the wind complex also provides several benefits for the region. The works are expected to generate 1.5 thousand jobs, with almost 40% of local labor. Positive impacts also include the provision of free training courses and the donation of basic food baskets for vulnerable families from the municipalities of Dom Inocêncio and São Raimundo Nonato, in Piauí, and Casa Nova, in Bahia.