Analysis of the potential of wind and ocean energy in the State of Maranhão

Brazil has its energy matrix mostly based on renewable energies from hydroelectric plants, however the water potential of Northeastern States is saturated. Thus, there is a need for their diversification by other renewable sources. Regarding this context, the State of Maranhão presents properties that are favorable to the exploration of wind and tidal power, even if at different scales. However, there are barriers such as the insufficient number of studies, a significant number of areas of environmental protection and slight government incentives for the production of renewable energy. Therefore, this study proposes the comparative evaluation of the potential of wind power generation, in relation to the potential of tidal power generation in the State coast. The evaluation was done through a bibliographical research related to the proposed subject. It has been verified that wind generation is more advanced and feasible only on the western coast of the State, where average wind speeds are between 8.0 m / s and 8.5 m/s, with energy density of wind of the order of 350 W/m². Consequently, there are wind farm projects in operation and prospected in the region. As for tidal power production, the State of Maranhão is one of the few sites with the potential for exploitation of tidal power in the world, with at least three bays with great potential for power generation, which are the bays of Turiaçu, Bacanga estuary and Ilha do Medo. Even with the environmental obstacles, studies indicate the possibility of implementation with significant reduction of impacts, giving technical-economic viability to the project. Furthermore, the energy data extracted from the tides of its coast were higher than the data obtained by wind strength, reaching a value of up to 2,260 w/m².