Jan 10 2011
The hydro plant, partly owned by CPFL Energia, has been authorized for test operations. The Foz do Chapeco hydro power project has a total capacity of 855 MW. The project has been authorized by the Brazilian utility sector regulator, Aneel.
The test operations will be conducted at the third generator unit of the plant, which has an installed capacity of 214 MW. With a total of four generators, the commercial operation of the first generator had started in October 2010. The second generator unit began its commercial operation in November 2010.
The hydro power project is located on the border of two states, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. CPFL Energia owns 51% of the project, while the Brazil-based Eletrobras Furnas owns 40% and CEEE, a local power company, holds 9% of the project.
The power generated from the project will be sufficient enough to fulfill 18% of the power needs in Rio Grande do Sul, and 25% of the electricity needs in Santa Catarina.