Regulator approves second Engie Brasil Energia hydro plant for auction

Brazil's electric power watchdog Aneel has approved yet another hydroelectric power plant (HPP) expansion project for participation in the backup capacity tender. 

This is an expansion of the installed capacity of the Jaguara HPP, owned by Engie Brasil Energia. 

The plant is located on the Rio Grande in the Paraná river basin, in the municipalities of Sacramento and Rifaina in Minas Gerais and São Paulo states, respectively. 

The approved change represents an addition of 233MW of power to the national electricity system.

This is the 13th hydroelectric project given the green light by the regulator to compete in the auction. Combined, the proposed undertakings call for an expansion of 5.52GW.

Also among the undertakings approved is Engie's Salto Santiago plant. Located on the Iguaçu river in Paraná state, it represents an addition of 710MW of power to the electricity system. 

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.