Engie contracts WEG to add 232 MW to Brazil's Jaguara hydroelectric plant

Engie Brasil Energia has signed a contract with Brazilian equipment maker WEG to supply two new generating units, each rated at 116 MW, for the Jaguara hydroelectric plant on the Rio Grande at the Minas Gerais–São Paulo border in Rifaina (SP). The expansion will increase the plant’s installed capacity by 232 MW, raising it from 424 MW to 656 MW, with an investment of roughly R$ 1.2 billion and commissioning expected in 2030. Engie says the project reinforces the strategic role of hydroelectricity in Brazil’s energy transition, helping meet peak‑demand needs and enhancing grid reliability. WEG highlighted its ability to deliver complete solutions for large‑scale power projects, noting that the contract falls within its Generation, Transmission and Distribution business unit. The expansion is part of a broader modernization program at Jaguara, which already involves over R$ 500 million in upgrades to improve the plant’s lifespan, efficiency and operational reliability.