The utility has set a target of contracting up to 500MW of installed renewables capacity by the end of 2017.

An estimated R$515m will go to wind power, of which R$300m is expected to be invested this year, says Maurício Botelho, director of investor relations.

“Our investment in wind this year will be substantial,” says Botelho.

Energisa is building 150MW of wind projects in Rio Grande do Norte state.