Brazilian offshore potential exploration is still in its early stages, with no single offshore park in operation or being implemented. Unlike the already identified onshore wind potential—with over 14 GW installed in the form of onshore wind turbines—offshore wind potential research is absent and restricted to limited areas. In this context, this study aims to identify offshore wind potential throughout the Brazilian coast for electricity generation. The research method took into account the average annual wind velocity records as 100 m/s, as well as bathymetry and the distance from the coast baseline, to classify areas displaying the greatest potential, applying an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to the geographic information system for the identification of potential offshore wind energy exploration sites. Environmental conservation units were considered exclusion areas. The installable capacity using aerogenerators was estimated at 3 TW, while an annual average power production of 14,800 TWh was calculated for the sum of the viable areas. These results demonstrate that the wind potential identified throughout the Brazilian coast provides the conditions for significant energy sector development. To this end, it is necessary to establish an ecological economic zoning of the areas displaying the greatest potential identified herein for the beginning of offshore exploration in Brazil.

Oil wealth can foster social inequality if not properly managed. This is due to the migration of production factors from different economic activities to the oil sector. As a result, unemployment, poverty, political instability, a reduction in development, among other undesirable effects on society, may arise. With that in mind, this research evaluates the government’s role in the socioeconomic development of the oil producing municipalities in Rio Grande do Norte State (RN), the largest onshore producer in Brazil. The research uses panel regression as it allows broad analyses of the space and time dimensions to be performed. In addition, it relies on statistical testing at all stages to make the research analysis more appropriate and consistent. The proposed model revealed better socioeconomic development indicators in municipalities where the local Government made public savings as reserve funds. Furthermore, the results show that appropriate public savings management allows municipal governments to design public policies to provide future generations with socioeconomic benefits, in line with the purpose of royalties.