Offshore wind measurements, in the pre-salinity zone, have been initiated by Petrobras, Shell Brasil, Total Energies, CNBC, CNOOC, and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Campo de Búzios, in the Santos Basin, was chosen for the first data collection. The same work is expected to be carried out during the year in Campo de Mero. 
This research is part of the Ventos de Libra project, which has received investments worth R$8 million. In addition to developing study techniques, it is planned to create methodologies for wind analysis and assessment of the technical feasibility of installing wind farms. Through the project, it will be possible to support future offshore wind projects in the pre-salt area.
“This is another initiative aimed at developing knowledge and training in the offshore wind energy sector, which has great potential in Brazil, this time with the participation of important partners in the pre-salt sector and the academic sector, represented by prestigious institutions,” Jean said. Paul Prats, President of Petrobras.
An important step for the project is the ability to improve models to reduce risks when implementing floating wind technology in deepwater areas. In the following stages, the feasibility of implementing wind turbines associated with oil and gas production systems will be evaluated.
Joelson Mendez, Director of Exploration and Production, explained that offshore wind projects represent a major scientific and technological challenge, exacerbated by the prevailing conditions in the pre-salt zone, about 200 kilometers from the coast, and in water depths of up to 2 thousand metres. In Petrobras.
“Projects of this type can indicate potential ways to further advance the decarbonization of our activities, in line with what we have already announced in our strategic plan,” explained Mauricio Tolmaskem, Director of Energy Transition and Sustainability at the state-owned company.
Wind potential
The wind measuring station was installed on the ship’s platform P-75, a floating unit that produces, stores and transports oil. The state-owned company explained that the technology is based on the Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) remote sensing measurement system. The data will be transferred directly to the Petrobras Research, Development and Innovation Center (Cenpes) and will be evaluated for 3 years.
“Measurement campaigns are not new for Petrobras. A decade ago, the company began feasibility studies for the implementation of offshore wind activity, with the installation of the first anemometer tower, capable of measuring wind characteristics, in the Brazilian Sea, on a platform installed in shallow waters on the coast of the country” Rio. Grande. do Norte,” recalls Carlos Travassos, Director of Engineering, Technology and Innovation at Petrobras.
The Ventos de Libra project is led by Engineer Christiane Lodi, who coordinates the project for Petrobras and the Libra Consortium, and Professor Adrian Brisco-Pietri, from UFRGS, who coordinates the Center for Integration of Studies, Research and Innovation in Wind Energy (Niepiee). . The consortium is operated by Petrobras (38.6%) in partnership with Shell Brasil (19.3%), Total Energy (19.3%), CNBC (9.65%), CNOC (9.65%) and Presal Petroleo SA – BPSA (3.5%).
