Eletrobras CGTEE will deliver, on September 20th, the Candiota III (Phase C) thermoelectric plant, already plans to start building Phase D on the coming years and should Exchange equipment in its São Jerônimo (RS) unit, the oldest coal thermoelectric plant operating in the country. In technical and financial feasibility studies of Phase D, two generating units of 300 or 350 MW each are planned.

Even doing the maintenance and recovering of its oldest units, such as Phase A and B, the first operates since 1974 and the other one since 1983, the president of Eletrobras CGTEE, Sereno Chaise, said it was a mistake not to invest in a new unit for so many years. “Machines get older and lower their production capacity. It was a strategic mistake for a company, which only generates, not to build anything in so many years. Thinking of the future, we should go beyond Phase D. Maybe even a Phase E”, ponders Sereno.

In addition to consider new investments, CGTEE continues to invest in the recovery of its units in Candiota (RS). The boilers in Phase B are being recovered - investment of over R$ 100 million. The two new units in Phase D, which could generate up to 700 MW, are considered strategies to meet the growing demand for energy.

Until its entry into commercial operation, Candiota III should run a testing equipment schedule. The boiler pressure testing took place in June. The boiler firing with oil (auxiliary fuel) is scheduled to August 20th, the firing with coal (main fuel) to September 9th, and entry into commercial operation to September 20th.

São Jerônimo
The CGTEE will receive two generating machines of 25 MW, without charge, from Eletronorte - another Eletrobras’ subsidiary.  The equipment will be transferred to the plant in São Jerônimo, to improve production of the unit. São Jerônimo plant, inaugurated in 1957, has installed generating capacity of 20 MW and it has three machines – one of 10 and two of 5MW -, but currently generates only 5 MW. The equipment to be shipped by Eletronorte to CGTEE was initially designed to burn woodchip and should be adapted to the use of coal and provided with equipment for environmental protection. The equipment, that are stored in Manaus (AM) and in optimal storage conditions, according to the last Eletronorte inspection, are composed by boiler, turbine, generator and auxiliary systems.