By Isabella Kaminski

Staff at the factory, which is based in Camaçari in the Brazilian state of Bahía, will assemble nacelles for Gamesa’s 2.0 MW wind turbines (G9X and G8X).

According to Gamesa, local suppliers will account for as much as 60% of the components used by the company to produce its wind turbines in the Brazil. The company already has 300 MW of orders under World Trade Group supply agreements with Corporación Inveravante and Iberdrola Renovables.

Gamesa will supply Iberdrola Renovables with wind turbines with a total capacity of 258 MW for 9 wind farms in Brazil. It will also supply Corporación Inveravante 42 MW of wind turbines for the Dunas de Paracuru wind farm under development in the Brazilian state of Ceará.

Gamesa’s goal is to cement its position among the main industrial groups in Brazil, increase penetration of local developer contracts and build a meaningful sales, manufacturing and O&M (operation and maintenance) network.

Gamesa anticipates strong growth in the Brazilian wind power market in the short and medium term, forecasting an eight-fold increase in installed capacity over the next five years.

Brazil has the highest growth potential in South America, according to the Brazilian Wind Power Trade Association; accumulated installed capacity in the country at the end of 2010 stood at 931 MW, with pipeline projects to 2013 totalling 4 GW.

Edgard Corrochano, Head of Sales and Project Management for Gamesa in Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay), says: "Our engagement in the development of the wind power market will be unwavering. We understand the market’s specific drivers and needs. Our local presence will allow us to be very close to our customers, existing and prospective, as a result of upcoming wind power tenders, and our know-how in O&M services which confer a competitive advantage.”