WEG and Petrobras have signed a strategic partnership for the joint development of a 7-megawatt (MW) onshore wind turbine, the first of its kind - and the largest - to be manufactured in Brazil. This project represents a significant milestone for Petrobras as it will enhance its knowledge in wind energy technology and contribute to driving the energy transition in Brazil in collaboration with a company renowned for its innovation in energy efficiency, renewable energies, and electric mobility.

Just for information, the wind turbine will have 220 meters height from the ground to the tip of the blade - equivalent to the height of six Christ the Redeemer statues - and a weight of 1,830 tons - equivalent to the weight of about 1,660 compact cars or 44 Boeing 737 planes. Petrobras will invest R$ 130 million in the project, which is already undertaken by WEG. The agreement includes the development of technologies for the manufacturing of the wind turbine components - suitable to the wind conditions in the country - as well as the construction and testing of a prototype, with technical and commercial counterparts for Petrobras. WEG expects the equipment to be produced in series starting in 2025.

In addition to its role in expanding onshore wind energy in the country, the development of this 7 MW wind turbine will have a positive impact on the future of offshore wind energy in Brazil. "As Petrobras gains experience and knowledge in the production of high-capacity onshore wind turbines, it paves the way for the development of larger wind turbines to be used in offshore generation projects. In this journey, the transition to offshore wind energy offers opportunities to explore the vast wind potential along the country's coast," said Petrobras President Jean Paul Prates.

The agreement also leverages the development of next-generation wind turbines. "This project is a crucial step toward the development of a new generation of offshore wind energy equipment, which has significant potential for expansion on the Brazilian coast. The experience we gain from developing these wind turbines will help us further explore the opportunities of our wind resources, contributing to the diversification of our energy matrix and the reduction of our carbon footprint," commented Petrobras' Director of Engineering, Technology, and Innovation, Carlos José Travassos.

"More than ever, the transition to renewable energy sources is essential to address the challenges of climate change and to build a more sustainable and equitable future for Petrobras and future generations. Our partnership with WEG is proof of our commitment to this cause," emphasized Petrobras' Director of Energy Transition and Sustainability, Maurício Tolmasquim.

"Through this partnership with Petrobras, we are combining experiences, resources, and knowledge to drive national research and development of wind turbines, reinforcing WEG's commitment to renewable energy generation and cutting-edge national technology development," explained WEG Energy Managing Director, João Paulo Gualberto da Silva."