The State of Rio Grande do Norte is understood to be leading again in the national ranking in the 2011 Brazilian wind energy auction, accounting for 27% of the total energy contracts bid. IDEMA (the Institute for Sustainable Development and Environment of Rio Grand do Norte) is understood to have conceded 82 licences for projects which participate in the A-3 auction and the Reserve, having received a total of 96 applications. The majority of the applications are believed to have been submitted by large companies with foreign capital and experience in wind energy, and which have already had projects approved elsewhere in Brazil. Fourteen projects in the state have been rejected on flawed fundamentals or a lack of appropriate documentation. There are currently three wind parks operational in Rio Grande do Norte, two in Guamaré and one in Rio do Fogo. A total of 60 parks are expected to be installed by 2013 with an investment of R$8 billion. Results of the auction are due later this week.