One of Brazil's Largest Hydroelectric Plants Undergoes R$ 1.2 Billion Surgery, Reaches Nearly 50% of Construction, Modernizes Six Turbines, and Prepares the 1,710 MW Plant for a New Era by 2029

One of Brazil’s Largest Hydroelectric Plants Undergoes R$ 1.2 Billion Surgery, Reaches Nearly 50% of Construction, Modernizes Six Turbines, and Prepares the 1,710 MW Plant for a New Era by 2029

Written by Noel Budeguer

Published on 25/02/2026 at 20:23

42 pessoas reagiram a isso.

In Goiás and Minas Gerais, Spic Brazil made an investment of R$ 1.2 billion in the modernization of the 1,710 MW plant to increase efficiency and safety, leading to an almost 50% advancement in the project and attracting the attention of the Brazilian electric sector.

The modernization of one of the largest hydropower plants in the country is progressing at an accelerated pace.

The São Simão Hydroelectric Plant, with an installed capacity of 1,710 MW, is nearing 50% completion of the modernization project conducted by Spic Brazil.

The facility, in operation since 1978, is undergoing a comprehensive technological upgrade that promises to enhance the reliability of the national electrical system.

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Strategic Plant Has Been in Operation Since 1978 and Passed to Spic in 2018

Located on the border between Goiás and Minas Gerais, the UHE São Simão is considered a strategic asset for energy generation in Brazil.

Spic Brazil took over the operation of the plant in 2018, after acquiring the concession in a relicitation auction.

Since then, the company has initiated a robust investment plan to renew essential equipment and structures of the hydropower plant.

The project has already accumulated R$ 1.2 billion invested in the modernization process.

Six Generating Units Will Be Completed by 2029

The company plans to complete construction on the six generating units by 2029. Since October 2025, the third generating unit has been offline for modernization.

Now, the expectation is that this unit will return to operation in August this year, gradually reinforcing the full capacity of the plant.

The schedule shows that modernization is occurring in a planned manner to minimize impacts on energy generation.

Project Is Divided Into Seven Construction Packages

The modernization of São Simão is structured into seven construction packages. Three have already been completed. The first involved the renovation of the gantries and the overhead cranes.
The second involved the replacement of the main step-up transformers.
The third included the modernization of the spillway and the water intake hydraulic unit.

These stages were deemed essential to ensure operational safety and structural updating of the plant.

Ongoing Works Involve Retrofit and Structural Improvements

The remaining packages are still in progress. Thus, the fourth package focuses on engineering works that accompany the entire modernization process and involve specialists and companies from the electrical sector.

Meanwhile, the fifth package plans for the modernization of the powerhouse and water intake, including the retrofit of the generating units.

However, the sixth package has not yet started and plans for updates to the lighting systems, grounding, and protection against electrical discharges.

Finally, the seventh package, introduced at the end of 2025, includes the civil works associated with the project.

The division into stages allows the plant to continue operating while undergoing a deep technological transformation.

Modernization Increases Efficiency and Safety in the Electric System

According to Spic Brazil’s CEO, Adriana Waltrick, the advancement of almost 50% in the project reinforces the company’s commitment to the technological renewal of the plant.

The expectation is to increase efficiency, reliability, and safety, ensuring that São Simão continues to contribute solidly to the Brazilian electric system.

The investment also extends the asset’s lifespan and prepares the hydropower plant for the coming years of operation.

The modernization of UHE São Simão demonstrates how large assets in the electric sector are being updated to meet new performance and safety requirements. With R$ 1.2 billion already invested and completion expected by 2029, the project solidifies itself as one of the most relevant ongoing projects in the country.

Do you believe that the modernization of large hydropower plants is essential to ensure energy security in Brazil? Leave your opinion in the comments.

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Marco Antônio Soares de Moraes

#240191

27/02/2026 12:53

Obviamente que sim ! Os Lagos poderiam tbm ser aproveitados com painéis solares e esta energia poderia ser de algumas maneira adicionada ao sistema. Se tivessem tbm baterias para armazenamento a energia entraria em momentos de pico de consumo no sistema.

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FRANCISCO CAETANO ROSA FILHO

#239860

26/02/2026 10:13

Claro que sim, e preciso modernizar para conseguir atender os mais variados desafios de demandas energeticas.

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One of Brazil’s Largest Hydroelectric Plants Undergoes R$ 1.2 Billion Surgery, Reaches Nearly 50% of Construction, Modernizes Six Turbines, and Prepares the 1,710 MW Plant for a New Era by 2029

In Goiás and Minas Gerais, Spic Brazil made an investment of R$ 1.2 billion in the modernization of the 1,710 MW plant to increase efficiency and safety, leading to an almost 50% advancement in the project and attracting the attention of the Brazilian electric sector.

Major Oil, Gas, and Energy Event Will Take Place in Brazil: Macaé Energy Will Gather Petrobras, Equinor, Prio, Among Other Suppliers and Energy Executives for Business, Networking, and Employment Opportunities

Strategic Plant Has Been in Operation Since 1978 and Passed to Spic in 2018

Six Generating Units Will Be Completed by 2029

Project Is Divided Into Seven Construction Packages

Ongoing Works Involve Retrofit and Structural Improvements

Modernization Increases Efficiency and Safety in the Electric System

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One of Brazil’s Largest Hydroelectric Plants Undergoes R$ 1.2 Billion Surgery, Reaches Nearly 50% of Construction, Modernizes Six Turbines, and Prepares the 1,710 MW Plant for a New Era by 2029

In Goiás and Minas Gerais, Spic Brazil made an investment of R$ 1.2 billion in the modernization of the 1,710 MW plant to increase efficiency and safety, leading to an almost 50% advancement in the project and attracting the attention of the Brazilian electric sector.

Major Oil, Gas, and Energy Event Will Take Place in Brazil: Macaé Energy Will Gather Petrobras, Equinor, Prio, Among Other Suppliers and Energy Executives for Business, Networking, and Employment Opportunities

Strategic Plant Has Been in Operation Since 1978 and Passed to Spic in 2018

Six Generating Units Will Be Completed by 2029

Project Is Divided Into Seven Construction Packages

Ongoing Works Involve Retrofit and Structural Improvements

Modernization Increases Efficiency and Safety in the Electric System

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