Brazil’s energy regulator has authorized commercial operation of the first unit of the 373.3-MW Santo Antonio do Jari hydro project on Brazil’s Jari River.
Developer group Grupo EDP and CWEI Participacoes Ltda. received authorization from Brazil’s Agencia Nacional de Energia Eletrica (ANEEL) to begin commercial operation of the first 123.3-MW turbine-generator at Santo Antonio do Jari on the border of Para and Amapa states.
The unit has been supplying power to the national grid during testing since August 26. With commercial operation, project power will be sold on the short-term electricity market or by contract.
Three other turbine-generators, two 123.3-MW units and a 3.4-MW unit, are in advanced stages of commissioning. Full operation is expected in three months.
Alstom supplied the three 123.3-MW Kaplan turbines and generators, hydro-mechanical equipment, lifting equipment, digital control system, engineering works, erection, supervision and commissioning for the three units. Voith supplied the 3.4-MW Kaplan S turbine, a generator, automation systems, and all related electrical and mechanical parts.
Brazil’s National Bank of Economic and Social Development, BNDES, approved funding of up to US$354 million for the construction of Santo Antonio do Jari in 2012.
