The Lagoa dos Ventos wind farm is the largest in South America and the most extensive facility operated by Enel Green Power globally. Situated in Piauí, Brazil, it features 230 wind turbines and has a capacity of 1.1 GW. It generates over 3.3 TWh annually and prevents 1.6 million tons of CO2 emissions.
Innovation in Construction
Given the large scale of the project, it was necessary to design an innovative layout based on a high-resolution assessment of wind resources to optimize energy production. Various tools and methods were used, such as proximity sensors on machinery to increase safety, drones for topographic surveys, and advanced digital platforms for remote monitoring and backup of wind farm activities. These innovations enabled faster and more accurate data collection, improved construction quality, and facilitated communication between teams.
"Lagoa dos Ventos is an unprecedented wind project, and the start of its commercial operation is an important milestone for Enel Green Power worldwide," said Salvatore Bernabei, CEO of Enel Green Power, and Head of Enel's Global Power Generation business line.
Project Phases
Lagoa dos Ventos was constructed in three phases. The cluster features two interconnection points: Lagoa I and II at the São João do Piauí Substation (CHESF), connected by 97 km of 500 kV high-voltage overhead transmission line. Lagoa III and V are connected at the Queimada Nova II Substation (CYMI), which also utilizes a 500 kV high-voltage overhead transmission line.
● Lagoa I&II: 716.55 MW (230 wind turbines) in operation since May 2021.
● Lagoa III: 396.00 MW (72 wind turbines) in operation since May 2023.
● Lagoa V: 399.00 MW (72 WTGs) in operation since April 2024.
Capacity and Employment
The park's annual generation capacity is equivalent to the energy needed to supply 3.4 million homes, and the 34.5 kV medium-voltage network is 480 km long. Additionally, around 8,000 jobs have been created, with 4,346 of those filled by local labor.
On the other hand, the project has implemented 154 projects in the municipalities of Dom Inocêncio, Lagoa do Barro, and Queimada Nova/PI, benefiting about 89,400 people in the communities as of May 2024.
Sustainability and Family Farming
The project focuses on sustainable energy production and community development through agroecology in semi-arid rural areas of Brazil. It helps families cultivate their land better by combining productivity with ecosystem protection.
Initiatives have been implemented in partnership with local associations and SEBRAE in the state of Bahia, near the Aroeira wind farm, and in the state of Piauí, in the area of the Lagoa dos Ventos wind farm. In 2023, 70 families received training and technical assistance on sustainable agricultural practices. Workshops were conducted, and materials were distributed to enhance understanding of responsible land use and the conservation of native forests.
Salvatore Bernabei also highlights the project's importance and focus on sustainability: "Lagoa dos Ventos, our largest wind farm in the world, represents an important step forward for our sustainable growth while supporting green recovery in Brazil, further contributing to the diversification of the country's energy mix."
The objective is to improve the management of water resources, increase food production, and apply agroecological practices to feed and maintain livestock. In Lagoa dos Ventos, a hydroponic corn crop was developed for cattle feeding, demonstrating Enel's commitment to innovation and sustainability.
