Equinor’s Rio Energy Acquires 230MW Brazilian Wind Project with 1TWh Output
Equinor’s subsidiary Rio Energy acquired the 230MW Esquina do Vento wind project in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil from Vestas, including a supply of 51 V163-4.5MW turbines to be installed in 2027. Construction starts Q2 2026 with commercial operations slated for 2028, expected to generate 1TWh annually.
1. Acquisition of Esquina do Vento Project
Equinor’s subsidiary Rio Energy has acquired the 230MW Esquina do Vento wind project in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil from Vestas. The deal includes a turbine supply agreement for 51 V163-4.5MW units.
2. Project Timeline and Output
Construction is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with turbine installation set for March 2027 and completion by year-end 2027. Commercial operations are expected in 2028, with the farm capable of generating up to 1TWh of electricity annually.
3. Long-Term Service Agreement
Vestas will oversee operation and maintenance of the turbines for 30 years under an Active Output Management 5000 service contract, covering performance monitoring and routine upkeep.
4. Strategic Expansion in Brazil
This marks the first Equinor/Rio Energy partnership with Vestas in Brazil and follows the December 2025 launch of the Serra da Babilônia hybrid solar-wind complex. The Esquina do Vento project further expands Equinor’s renewable footprint and supports Brazil’s clean power objectives.