Belo Monte

First unit approved at Belo Monte-associated Pimental hydropower plant

Commercial start-up of the first generator at the 233-MW Pimental hydropower plant has been approved by Aneel in Brazil.
First unit approved at Belo Monte-associated Pimental hydropower plant

Commercial start-up of the first generator at the 233-MW Pimental hydropower plant has been approved by Aneel in Brazil.

Pimental is part of the 11.2-GW Belo Monte plant. The complex is on the Xingu River in the northern state of Para.

The unit has installed capacity of 38.83 MW. In total, the Pimental powerhouse will contain six bulb turbines.

In February 2016, test operations were under way at Belo Monte’s 611.11-MW Generating Unit No. 1, and in April 2016 the first units began commercial operations.

Belo Monte was originally scheduled to begin commercial operation in February 2015. Developer Norte Energia estimates the US$26 billion project will be in full operation in January 2019.