Abstract
This paper analyses the potential for wind power in Brazil replacing thermal power plant and hence contributing to greenhouse gases (GHG) mitigation through emission reductions credits. The focus of the analysis is concentrated on the Brazilian states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte. These states have participated strongly in the allocation of generating licenses for wind power plant granted by ANEEL in Brazil (ca. 68% of 5,637.9 MW). If 20% of the coastal areas of Ceará's and Rio Grande do Norte's have wind parks (409 km2), then the wind power delivered is expected to be nearly 17 TW h/y, giving GHG emission reduction of at least 8 times 106 tonnes/y of CO2. Consequently, the value of their credits in the GHG emission markets in these states would be about US$ 83 million/y.