Alstom will supply equipment to Baixo Iguaçu hydro-power plant in Brazil

Alstom has signed a contract with Neoenergia, one of the biggest private groups in the electrical sector of Brazil for the supply of 3 Kaplan hydro turbines, generators, control command and protection systems as well as electromechanical and erection equipment for the Baixo Iguaçu hydro power plant.

The total contract value is 160 million, including hydromechanical and lifting equipment, with an Alstoms share of around 110 million¹.

For the first time in Brazil, the hydro power plant to be installed on the Iguaçu river (Paraná State) will be equipped with the biggest vertical Kaplan turbines, generating a total of 350 MW. The first unit will be operating in the second semester of 2015. 

Alstoms electromechanical components will be produced in Taubaté site (São Paulo State), one of Alstoms largest hydro factories in the world producing electromechanical equipment for hydro power plants for the Latin American market as well as for export.

The Kaplan turbines can be used in smaller flooded areas like the Iguaçu river. Iguaçu power plant is a low-head hydro project (15.7 meters) capable of generating power all year round, irrespective of the flow of the river, during both periods of flood and dry seasons in the region.

Alstom holds around 40% of the Brazilian power market and has already delivered more than 100 turbines and generators over the past 10 years. Baixo Iguaçu is a new example of our commitment and efforts to continue delivering the best, clean and most efficient solutions to the national power market, says Marcos Costa, Country President for Alstom in Brazil.

On March 2012, Alstom set in Taubaté the corner stone of its first Global Technology Centre (GTC) dedicated to hydro projects for Latin America, with a special focus on Kaplan turbines. The inauguration is scheduled mid-2013. The company will invest around 6 million in this technology centre which will be equipped with a test stand in reduced turbine models and state-of-the-art equipment.

¹ The notice to proceed (NTP) should be granted to Alstom on February 2013.