SPIC Brasil invests R$ 1.4 billion in hydroelectric power plant expansion, adding 310 MW of clean energy to the national grid.
SPIC Brasil has taken a significant step toward strengthening the country’s renewable energy mix by signing a R$ 1.4 billion contract for the expansion of the São Simão Hydroelectric Power Plant (UHE). The agreement, signed with a robust consortium consisting of Dongfang Electric Corporation and China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC), aims to install the plant’s seventh generation unit (UG7), strategically located on the border between Minas Gerais and Goiás.
This project promises to add 310 MW of firm capacity to the National Interconnected System (SIN), with the new unit’s commercial operation scheduled for 2030. The expansion, which was qualified in the 2026 Capacity Reserve Auction (LRCAP), aligns with a smart strategy of leveraging the infrastructure of an existing hydroelectric complex. This approach allows for increased clean and secure energy generation capacity without the need to start a new project from scratch, optimizing resources and minimizing environmental impact.
Execution Details and Consortium
The main contract outlines the responsibilities of each partner. Dongfang Electric Corporation will be responsible for detailed engineering, specialized technical supervision, and the supply of critical components such as the generator and the Francis turbine. Concurrently, CGGC will handle the on-site assembly of all equipment, ensuring the effective integration of the new technologies.
The realization of this ambitious project also involves important players from the Brazilian and international markets. SEEL Engenharia won the civil works package, a key component for the UG7 infrastructure. Tractebel Engineering is in charge of the owner’s engineering, ensuring that all technical specifications are strictly met. Rounding out the team of experts, Egis Group is leading the environmental package, ensuring compliance and sustainability at every stage.
Strategy and Energy Security
The CEO of SPIC Brasil, Adriana Waltrick, highlighted the strategic importance of this expansion:
This project represents a smart expansion focused on leveraging established assets. It is the most efficient and sustainable way to increase our capacity for clean and secure energy generation for Brazil.
The new capacity contracted through the LRCAP reinforces UHE São Simão’s contribution to the country’s energy supply. In a scenario where supply security is becoming increasingly relevant, strengthening hydroelectric generation through capacity reserve mechanisms is fundamental. SPIC Brasil’s investment in São Simão not only expands clean energy generation but also solidifies the resilience of the national power grid.
