Wind power success in Brazil

Abstract

This study seeks the explanation behind the Brazilian wind power success. Since the beginning the industry have turned out to be a success by becoming the cheapest source of electricity. This study discusses three different explanations (hypotheses) to the success: Technological explanation (hypothesis 1), market explanation (hypothesis 2) or governmental explanation (hypothesis 3). The study has been conducted as a triangulated qualitative case study by combining interviews and written data. The explanations were not supported as one-factor explanations. The technological - and the market explanation were concluded to be necessary but not sufficient. The governmental explanation was both necessary and sufficient to create the success.