Norway-based Equinor has agreed to acquire a ready-to-build onshore wind complex in Brazil from Danish turbine maker Vestas, the company said on Monday. The transaction covers a 230 megawatt project known as Esquina do Vento.
Located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte on Brazil's eastern coast, the development comprises 51 wind turbines. Equinor said the site could produce roughly 1 terawatt hour of electricity each year once operational.
The project will be advanced and operated by Rio Energy, a subsidiary of Equinor. According to the company's timeline, construction is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of this year, with commercial operations planned for 2028.
As part of the deal, Vestas will enter a 30-year arrangement to provide service and an energy-based availability commitment for the facility. The agreement ties long-term turbine servicing and availability guarantees to Vestas for the duration specified.
Context and operational outline
Equinor will take on development and operational responsibilities through its Rio Energy arm, while Vestas transitions from owner to long-term service provider. The combination of a ready-to-build asset and a multi-decade service contract frames the transaction as a handover from manufacturer ownership to utility-scale operations and maintenance.
Timeline
Equinor's stated schedule foresees a construction start in the second quarter of this year. The company targets commercial operations in 2028, indicating a multi-year build and commissioning window between breaking ground and full operation.
Implications for markets and sectors
- Energy sector - The deal expands Equinor's onshore wind footprint in Brazil and represents a shift of the asset from turbine manufacturer to operator.
- Renewables - The project contributes to onshore wind capacity and adds potential annual generation to the grid.
- Services and maintenance - A long-term OEM service contract underscores the role of manufacturers in providing extended lifecycle support.