Wind power is an abundant source of energy in Brazil, but it is not given priority in government plans, according to a study by the Institute of Electrotechnics and Energy at São Paulo University. While there is potential for the generation of up to 143 gigawatts, only one gigawatt of wind power is produced, the equivalent of just 0.88 percent of the energy currently available in Brazil. Projects already underway will expand the country’s wind power capacity to six gigawatts by 2019.

“The potential for wind power was quantified in 2001. Today there are higher towers that could increase it. Limited experience with the related technology is one of the reasons for the lack of investment,” head researcher Juliana Chad told Tierramérica.

“The development of research mechanisms and incentive programs could change this state of affairs,” she added.

The study noted that the Northeast is the region with the greatest potential for the generation of wind power, accounting for half of the total national potential.