Since its inception, CERNE has been a catalyst for significant advances in the renewable energy sector in Brazil. Our historical milestones reflect our ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic development. Follow our journey from the first National Wind Forum, through the establishment of CERNE, to our most recent pioneering projects in water security and green hydrogen development. Each stage represents an important step in building a more sustainable and prosperous energy future for the Equatorial Margin and beyond.
The first event focused on regulatory, political, and economic debates directly related to the national wind sector, resulting in the "Wind Charter" document. This milestone contributed to the structuring of the model used in the following decade in Brazil for contracting wind energy through energy auctions.
Established CERNE in Rio de Janeiro as an integrative center for formulating sectorial strategies for the energy and natural resources market, serving as a place for debate and proposal formulation for sector development in Brazil.
Opening of CERNE’s main headquarters in Natal/Rio Grande do Norte, one of the states with the highest potential for wind project development in Brazil. The establishment of the headquarters in Natal facilitated dialogue between sector companies and government agents, contributing to creating a healthy investment environment and confirming RN as the largest wind energy producer in the country.
The first edition of the State Energy Forum (FEERN), aimed at transparency regarding sector investments in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. The forum became a crucial means of investment disclosure, projection identification, and support to the state government in formulating public policies to maintain investments.
The event provided practical results for the sector with suggestions for regulatory changes related to archaeological finds. This initiative allowed the advancement of wind park construction, addressing a significant demand from park managers in the CERNE region.
Highlighted the need for logistical infrastructure development for the region with the highest density of wind turbines. The program identified BR 406, crossing the Mato Grande in Rio Grande do Norte, with positive impacts on the wind sector and other sectors such as oil and gas, refining and petrochemicals, agriculture, tourism, salt, mining, and industry.
Initiated the project to modernize the Port of Natal, presented following a national call from the Federal Government for logistics program updates. CERNE proposed not only the modernization of the port but also the creation of an ecological park for preserving the surrounding area.
Partnership with the U.S. Consulate in Recife brought the Power Future Symposium to Fortaleza/CE, featuring energy specialist Andrew McAllister from the California Energy Commission (CEC). The event introduced updates on the future of energy and U.S. experience in implementing renewable sources and sustainable consumption.
The first qualified debate exclusively on offshore wind energy prospects in Brazil, held during the All About Energy event in Fortaleza/CE. The discussion included experts indicating the generation potential and investment opportunities for offshore wind energy on the Brazilian equatorial margin.
Formation of the first joint commission of experts, entities, universities, and private companies to address the inclusion of offshore wind energy in Brazil. The commission reviewed global regulatory experiences, logistical bottlenecks, and structural needs, holding meetings from 2018 to 2020.
Conducted an unprecedented pilot study in Brazil on the use of settlement areas for energy generation, aimed at supporting the maintenance of rural populations through peaceful coexistence and mutual benefits for entrepreneurs and settlers. The study, which integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) actions, has the potential for significant impact in Brazil's semi-arid region, improving economic and social aspects of these communities.
Supported the introduction of PL 576/2021, which addresses the regulation of offshore energy production, commonly known as offshore wind energy regulation. This key piece of legislation is a result of ongoing sectoral activities and debates. Proposed by Senator Jean Paul Prates, the bill is in the final stages of debate in the National Congress and is of interest to a range of national and international investors for developing this new market in Brazil.
Pilot project aimed at expanding the infrastructure of the state security department of Rio Grande do Norte. It proposes increasing the department's capacity for the Mato Grande/RN area, covering 12 municipalities with strong appeal for wind energy generation and tourism. The project addresses societal demands with funding from energy sector companies as a form of social return to the communities in this region.
Water Security: A project to establish the largest desalination system in the country for social purposes, in partnership with STATE GRID/CPFL Renováveis, serving over 3,000 people in João Câmara, with a significant social impact.
Social Impact: Initiated parliamentary activities in the National Congress, participating in debates on ongoing legislative projects related to renewable energy and related issues.
CERNE Expansion: Opened a new headquarters in Brasília/DF to expand CERNE's activities in the renewable energy and natural resources sectors.
Developing H2V in RN in support of CPFL Renováveis, to implement a pilot unit in Rio Grande do Norte. The state is positioned as a potential hub in the green hydrogen supply chain, both for domestic and international markets.
CERNE is regularly supported by national and international industry and business entities, either directly or through their regional subsidiaries. CERNE’s sustaining members include both entrepreneurs—entities or companies that operate directly or indirectly in the economic sectors covered by CERNE—and suppliers, who provide services and offer technical and specialized expertise to operators.
CERNE collaborates with various industry entities as a strategic partner, providing essential local support in the regions where we operate. Additionally, we conduct research, studies, and offer technical consulting to optimize the sustainable use of natural and energy resources. Together, we turn challenges into opportunities for a more sustainable future.