Santo Inácio Wind Complex (Cesi)
and Gravier Wind Power Plant

Cesi and Gravier

Inauguration

CESI: 12 Dec/2017
Gravier: 30 Dec/2022

Installed Power

CESI: 98.7 MW
Gravier: 71.4 MW

Wind turbines

CESI: 47
Gravier: 17

Feeding Capacity

Supply of about

CESI: 528k

Gravier: 180k

households with the consumption pattern of the Northeast

The Santo Inácio Wind Complex, also known as CESI, is the first wind energy plant operated by Aliança Energia. Located in the municipality of Icapuí, in the state of Ceará, it is composed of the São Raimundo, Santo Inácio III, Santo Inácio IV, and Garrote Wind Power Plants. Together they have 47 wind turbines, each measuring 120 meters in height, with blades of 57 meters and a capacity of 2.1 MW each. The total installed capacity of CESI is 98.7 MW, and full commercial operation began on December 12, 2017.

The Gravier Wind Power Plant began full operation on December 30, 2022, with 17 wind turbines, each measuring 125 meters in height, with blades of 72 meters and a capacity of 4.2 MW, totaling 71.4 MW of installed capacity.

Aliança Energia’s wind assets also include the Acauã Wind Complex, located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, with 26 turbines of 4.2 MW each, resulting in an installed capacity of 109.2 MW.

In total, Aliança Energia’s wind portfolio has an installed capacity of 279.3 MW, with 90 wind turbines in operation.

Come and visit the Santo Inácio Wind Complex (Cesi)

Wind Turbine

Equipment responsible for converting wind energy into electrical energy. It operates through the movement of the blades, which rotate under the action of the wind and drive the rotor. This mechanical motion is transmitted to internal systems that transform the force of the wind into electricity in a continuous and renewable way. A wind turbine is composed of four main parts: blades, rotor, nacelle, and tower.

Nacelle

Compartment installed at the top of the tower that houses the systems responsible for the operation and protection of the wind turbine. It contains the control equipment, electrical systems, braking system, and the yaw system. In the direct drive models used in the wind farms, the permanent magnet generator is installed at the front, directly coupled to the rotor and the blades, remaining outside the nacelle.

Substation

The energy generated by the wind turbines at CESI and Gravier is delivered to our collector substation, where the voltage level is stepped up from 34.5 kV to 230 kV, and then transmitted through the transmission line.

Tower

Vertical structure that supports the wind turbine and keeps the rotor, blades, and nacelle at the ideal height to capture the wind. In wind farms, towers are formed by concrete segments and finished with a metal ring at the top.

At CESI: 7 concrete segments + 1 concrete ring + 1 metal ring.
At Gravier: 6 concrete segments + 1 concrete ring + 1 metal ring.

Wind Turbine Blades

Components that capture wind energy and cause the rotor to rotate, initiating the electricity generation process. Their aerodynamic design directs the airflow efficiently, ensuring stable rotor movement. They are manufactured from fiberglass, lightweight and durable materials that provide rigidity, durability, and operational safety throughout the turbine’s service life. The blades begin to move the wind turbine when wind speeds reach between 2.5 and 3 m/s.

Transmission Lines

The energy produced at CESI and Gravier is delivered to the SIN – National Interconnected System at the Mossoró IV Substation, owned by CHESF, through a 9 km transmission line operating at 230 kV.