Novo Tempo Barcarena power plant advances its operational capacity, reaching 610 MW.
The National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) has granted new authorization to the Novo Tempo Barcarena thermal power plant, managed by Arxen, to increase its commercial generation capacity. The plant will now be able to operate its generating unit at up to 610 MW. This increase represents a significant jump from the previous limit of 552 MW, although it does not yet reach the maximum licensed capacity of 629.4 MW.
The decision, published in the Official Gazette of the Union, reflects Arxen‘s efforts to optimize the plant’s flexibility. The company aims to overcome technical restrictions identified in the cooling system, known as “evap cooler,” which limited the plant’s performance, especially during the months between July and December.
An operational test conducted between September 10 and 14 served as the basis for the new release. During this evaluation, the plant demonstrated the capacity to operate at 610 MW, confirming its expansion potential. The UTE Novo Tempo Barcarena, which began its commercial activities in late August, is equipped with a “single-shaft” system, combining gas and steam turbines.
The plant’s energy was contracted in the A-6 auction of 2019 and uses liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel, supplied by the Barcarena LNG Terminal, also managed by Arxen. Previous incidents in LNG supply had already impacted the production of other companies in the region, such as Alunorte.
In parallel, Aneel also authorized the test operation of the UTE Usina Biometano Campos Novos in Santa Catarina. With a capacity of 1.14 MW, the plant, owned by Agric Adubos E Gestao De Residuos Industriais E Comerciais S.A., will act as an energy self-producer, focusing on the use of biomethane.
