Engie Brasil Energia has commenced the commercial operations of the first 15 wind turbines at the Serra do Assuruá wind complex in Brazil.

The complex, situated in the municipality of Gentio do Ouro in the state of Bahia, began its operations after receiving the green light from the National Electric Energy Agency, contributing 8% to the total installed capacity of the project.

Engie Brasil CEO Eduardo Sattamini stated: “The beginning of commercial operations ahead of schedule at Serra do Assuruá is a milestone in the implementation of one of the largest wind energy projects ever constructed in a single phase by the ENGIE Group in Brazil and the world, with conclusion expected before the end of 2025.

“We continue to deliver our growth strategy in renewable energy in Brazil as well as our commitment to creating value for shareholders and customers.”

The Serra do Assuruá wind complex, once fully operational, will consist of 24 wind farms with 188 turbines and offer a total installed capacity of 846MW.

The project, exclusively developed by ENGIE Brasil Energia, got underway in March 2023.

The new wind complex is the fourth of its kind in the state of Bahia, where ENGIE Brasil Energia already has a strong presence with the operational Umburanas, Campo Largo 1 and Campo Largo 2 wind complexes.

Together, the projects in the cities of Sento Sé and Umburanas surpass a combined installed 1GW of power.

Engie Brasil chief financial and investor relations officer Eduardo Takamori stated: “With a total investment of the order of $6bn reais and the creation of 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, the start-up in commercial operations of the first units at Serra do Assuruá is the result of a combination of the company’s financial discipline and the capacity of execution of the projects.”