São Simão hydroelectric plant undergoes R$ 2.6 billion modernization

SPIC Brasil has completed the modernization of the third generating unit at the São Simão Hydroelectric Power Plant, located on the border of Goiás and Minas Gerais. The project, executed by a consortium led by GE Vernova and including Powerchina, transitioned the unit from analog to digital control systems. The modernization of this unit was completed in 10.3 months, surpassing the 12-month regulatory limit set by the National System Operator (ONS) and the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel).

The broader investment plan for the complex exceeds R$ 1.2 billion to update all six generating units by 2029, with preparations already underway for the fourth unit (UG1). Additionally, SPIC Brasil plans to expand the plant's capacity by constructing a seventh generating unit (UG7) with 310 MW of capacity. This expansion, expected to be operational by 2030, involves a consortium of Dongfang Electric Corporation and China Gezhouba Group Corporation.

Total investments for the modernization and expansion are estimated at approximately R$ 2.6 billion. These efforts aim to increase the plant's total installed capacity from 1,710 MW to roughly 2,020 MW and extend its operational lifespan by an additional 30 years.