Brazil approves another hydro plant for backup capacity auction

Brazil's electric power watchdog Aneel has approved another hydroelectric power plant expansion project aimed at participating in the next backup capacity tender.  

The project involves the expansion of installed capacity of the Salto Santiago plant, owned by Engie Brasil Energia. 

Located on the Iguaçu river in Paraná state, it represents an addition of 710MW of power to the electricity system.

This is the 12th hydroelectric project approved by the regulator to compete in the auction. Combined, the proposed undertakings will contribute an additional 5.29GW. 

Scheduled to take place on June 27, the backup capacity tender will contract both new and existing gas and biofuel-fired plants, as well as existing hydroelectric plants. The hydroelectric plants expand their installed capacity by adding new generating units.

Companies interested in participating in the auction must register their projects with energy research company EPE by February 14.