“If we could define the Delfina project in one word it would be challenge. From the first moment, we faced many difficulties even to transport the materials needed for the construction. The excellent results achieved were only possible thanks to detailed planning, followed by all departments, always anticipating the risks and maintaining daily contact with the contractor teams”
When the works started, employees took nearly four hours, every day, to reach the site (and the same amount of time to return). To simplify the logistics, housing was built especially for the professionals involved in the project:
“Working on a project such as Delfina was a great learning and growth experience for everyone. At every obstacle that arose during the works, we worked together in search of solutions to ensure the safety and quality of the project. With that, we minimised the impact on the deadline to conclude the park. I am very proud to be part of this project!”
Of the people who worked in building the park, 70% were Bahia residents. Around the Delfina Park, there are three farmers’ associations, which are already benefitting from Enel group's sustainability projects.
“We endeavour to have a harmonious relationship and permanent contact with the community. We organise mobile complaint services and monthly meetings to clarify the stages of the venture. Furthermore, our environmental education programme has the involvement of municipal schools”
EGP also had to build a 230 kV Transmission Line spanning 90km following a very challenging schedule by market standards. As well as the difficulty in reaching some towers, the regularisation of this part of the project involved around 320 different landowners:
“We did not believe we would manage to build the line in less than 8 months, as we faced many obstacles during the process. This stage was only concluded due to the whole team’s engagement”
Another important feature is that Delfina Park is in a permanent protected area. with wild fauna and flora. EGP has thus invested in social and environmental initiatives, taking care that the works were sustainable and efficient:
“The start of operations at Delfina, Enel’s largest wind plant in Brazil, is proof of our team’s ability in building and commissioning our projects fast and efficiently, making Brazil one of the main contributors to the Group’s growth in renewable energy. The launch of Delfina reinforces our commitment to Brazil’s growing renewable energy sector. In addition, thanks to the sustainable initiatives we are implementing around the plant, we are contributing to local biodiversity and to the development of neighbouring communities”
Resilience also during commissioning
“Less than 24h after powering up, we powered the Connection Bay, the Transmission Line, the whole Substation, all the 34.5 kV branches and 22 wind turbines. On the fourth day we reached 87 commissioned wind turbines, a great milestone for Enel”
Some figures for the project:
Delfina Park comprises 90 wind turbines, each 80m tall, divided into seven sub-farms. The plant can generate over 800 GWh a year, enough energy to fulfil the annual needs of around 420,000 families and preventing the emission of more than 500,000 tonnes of CO2.
“The success of the Delfina project is a direct result of the commitment, competence and hard work of all parts involved, always dedicated to finding solutions to overcome all challenges that arose during the venture”
