Atmospheric Modeling and Sectoral Analysis of Offshore Wind Energy on the Southern Coast of Bahia
offshore wind energy; atmospheric modeling; WRF; ERA5; energy planning.
This study investigates the offshore wind energy generation potential along the southern coast of Bahia through high-resolution atmospheric modeling and analyzes the scientific, technological, and socio-economic impacts of the wind energy production chain in the state. The study is part of the Environmental Technologies research line within the Graduate Program in Environmental Science and Technology, proposing solutions focused on sustainability and strategic natural resource management. The WRF model, calibrated with ERA5 reanalysis data and observations from the Ilhéus weather station, was used to estimate wind speeds at 100 m and 150 m heights between the municipalities of Ilhéus and Mucuri. The results indicate average wind speeds exceeding 6 m/s in certain areas, especially during winter, highlighting a high technical potential for the deployment of offshore wind farms. The sectoral analysis, based on literature and policy document review, revealed progress in Bahia’s wind industry infrastructure but also pointed to persistent challenges such as technological dependence, gaps in workforce qualification, and land-use conflicts. It is concluded that harnessing offshore wind potential requires not only technical precision but also a broader understanding of socio-environmental dynamics, emphasizing the need for articulation among science, technology, and sustainable public policy.