Publications

In 2001, CAMARGO-SCHUBERT completed the Brazilian Wind Resources Atlas. This was the first mapping covering such a vast area (8.5 million km²) using mesoscale modeling. At the time, its maps were graphically presented using 256 color-level pixels, each corresponding to the long-term annual wind resource of a 1 x 1 km area, already embodying effects of local orography, roughness and mesoscale phenomena (sea breezes, mountain valley breezes and katabatic winds).

The Atlas has established itself as a reliable engineering tool and as the most influential initiative in accelerating cost reductions and instituting wind energy in Brazil. The feat has steered investors towards the best areas of the country, impacting the energy auction system that was later launched in the country in 2009. At that start, the lowest cost was for wind energy, competing with other available energy sources, such as traditional hydroelectric plants, small hydroelectric plants and thermoelectric plants.

As years went by and the electricity sector has progressed, many Brazilian states and companies recognized the necessity to identify areas suitable for wind and solar energy ventures, aiming to encourage and attract investments to them. Such initiatives have led to the development of various regional maps and studies, which are highlighted below.