Vestas says it will invest up to EUR 32 million to ramp up its operations in the Brazilian market in order to meet local content requirements.
The company says it will localize 70% of hub and nacelle manufacturing for 2 MW turbines at its facility near Fortaleza in the northeastern state of Ceara, allowing for production levels in excess of 400 MW per year, with the possibility of reaching up to 800 MW. Blade and tower production will also be sourced locally in order to comply with the local content requirements, which were set by the Brazilian Development Bank.
"Brazil is one of the most competitive and fastest-growing markets in the world," says Vestas' Jean-Marc Lechene. "We are confident these investments will meet local content requirements and position Vestas as a key player in the Brazilian market."
Ruben Lazo, country president of Vestas Brazil, adds, "Vestas has a long track record in Brazil, having sold almost 1,000 MW. We will now work closely with our Brazilian partners to adapt our flexible market-leading solutions to their needs."
Vestas says it aims to participate in Brazil's upcoming auctions for projects throughout this year. Given the planned increase in manufacturing output, the company expects to create up to 300 direct jobs in the country and an estimated 1,500 indirect jobs in the coming months, with the possibility of producing turbines for export to the rest of Latin America.
