Brazilian gas-fired power plant with Chinese investment enters commercial operation

Phase I of Gas Natural Acu (GNA) Gas-fired Power Plant with investment from the Chinese State Power Investment Corporation Limited (SPIC) entered commercial operation Thursday.

With an investment of 1 billion U.S. dollars and 1,338 megawatts of installed capacity, the project will be able to supply energy for 6 million households. The construction of Phase I created a total of 12,000 jobs locally, providing a boost to local economic and social development.

As a reliable and dispatchable power source, the GNA provides a solution to the seasonal and intermittent power supply problems troubling large-scale renewable energy development in Brazil. It will contribute significantly to facilitating Brazil's energy transition, stabilizing the central concentrated load and achieving clean development of the energy sector.

Speaking of the significance of this project, Bernardo Perseke, chief executive officer (CEO) of the GNA, said that "We went into operation at a crucial moment for the country, bringing reliable energy to the system, from LNG, a cleaner fuel and considered a catalyst for the global energy transition."

"We are leaders in solar, wind, hydroelectric, hydrogen and thermal energy, including gas and nuclear. Being part of this joint venture between major companies means maintaining our commitment to develop energy from innovative, sustainable and competitive sources for the Brazilian energy matrix," said Adriana Waltrick, CEO of SPIC Brazil.

Up till now, SPIC's installed capacity overseas has reached 6.65 gigawatts, among which clean energy accounts for 73 percent. SPIC has so far built its business presence in 46 countries, including 37 along the Belt and Road.