ENGIE has announced the full commissioning of the Serra do Assuruá wind complex, located in Gentio do Ouro, in the State of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. With an installed capacity of 846 megawatts (MW), the project consists of 188 wind turbines spread across 24 farms. It is the largest onshore wind farm ever developed by the French group and one of the most significant in Latin America. The complex is connected to the national power grid via 28 kilometres of transmission lines, ensuring direct and stable electricity distribution across the country.
Connection to Brazil’s free energy market
The site’s commissioning was gradual, beginning in August 2024 following approval by the Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (ANEEL), Brazil’s electricity regulatory agency. The complex now supplies the country’s free energy market, a system allowing industrial consumers to negotiate their energy contracts directly with producers. This framework enables businesses to manage energy costs more effectively and secure targeted access to renewable energy sources.
Job creation and local training
At the peak of its construction phase, Serra do Assuruá generated around 3,000 direct and indirect jobs. ENGIE prioritised local hiring and supported a vocational training programme in the State of Bahia. This certified 120-hour programme enabled 60 low-income individuals, including 30 women, to acquire skills in construction trades such as masonry, carpentry and reinforced concrete structure work.
Power infrastructure and regional development
With this project, ENGIE strengthens its position in Brazil’s energy sector, where it operates 15.7 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity, entirely from renewable sources. The group also manages 3,200 kilometres of electricity transmission lines and 22 substations across several states. ENGIE is also extending the Asa Branca network, with the first 334-kilometre segment already in operation, and is developing the Graúna project, which will add 780 kilometres of new transmission lines.
Territorial presence and community projects
Present in Brazil for nearly 30 years, ENGIE integrated community initiatives into the project in collaboration with local authorities and associations. These initiatives include the construction of community centres, sports facilities and educational infrastructure in Gentio do Ouro and surrounding areas. This territorial presence supports the group’s industrial development strategy and consolidates its role in Brazil’s major energy infrastructure projects.
