Business & Finance

3.75-GW Jirau hydro project inaugurated in Brazil

Energia Sustenavel do Brasil has inaugurated the 3.75-GW Jirau hydro project, the third largest in the country behind Itaipu and Belo Monte.
3.75-GW Jirau hydro project inaugurated in Brazil

Energia Sustenavel do Brasil has inaugurated the 3.75-GW Jirau hydro project, the third largest in the country behind Itaipu and Belo Monte.

Jirau is on the Madeira River in Rondonia state and will provide electricity for up to 40 million people.

BNamericas reports Energia Sustenavel do Brasil holds a 35-year operating concession for the plant and is owned by Engie (40%), Eltrosul (20%), Chesf (20%) and Mizha Participacoes (20%).

The powerhouse contains 50 75-MW turbine-generator units. Together with 3,568-MW Santo Antonio, Jirau comprises the 6.6-GW Rio Madeira complex.

Investment in Jirau has totaled BRL19.3 billion (US$5.7 billion), according to the Ministry of Mining and Energy.

HydroWorld.com reported in February 2015 that commissioning of the turbines at this facility was nearing the halfway point.