Vice Governor and Secretary of State for Infrastructure for Bahia, Otto Alencar, speaking on World Wind Day, noted that the state ranks number two in Brazil in terms of wind energy capacity. Alencar expects the creation of wind farms to boost the economy of the State of Bahia, especially the less developed ‘semiarido’ (semi desert) areas, where contracts are being struck between investors and land owners. Each turbine installed on land in these regions receives a special royalty of R$5,000 annually - so a farm with capacity for ten turbines might generate R$50,000 annually. Alencar also pointed to local employment opportunities and improved infrastructure with better roads and a network of hotels, hospitals and technical schools.

Alencar, who is working closely with Governor Jaques Wagner, confirmed that Bahia has the capacity to generate as twice as much energy as the Itaipu hydro plant. Bahia’s first wind farm is currently being installed at Brotas de Macaúbas. It is expected to be operational by September this year and will generate 90 MW per month.

The government, through the Department of Infrastructure, is supporting other developments in the state. In the last two auctions alone, 34 projects with total capacity of 1000 MW were awarded in Bahia.