First unit of Ilha Solteira Hydropower in Brazil begins operation

The first unit (No 20) of the Ilha Solteira Hydropower Station in Brazil completed water commissioning and was officially put into operation for power generation on Dec 23.

The project is undertaken by Sinohydro Bureau 11 Co, a subsidiary of POWERCHINA.

An aerial view of the Ilha Solteira Hydropower Station in Brazil. [Photo/POWERCHINA]

The hydropower station's No 20 unit is located in the Parana River basin at the junction of the cities of Sao Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul, 750 kilometers from Sao Paulo.

It is equipped with 20 mix-flowed Francis turbines capable of generating 174,000 kilowatts.

The interior of the Ilha Solteira Hydropower Station in Brazil. [Photo/POWERCHINA]

According to the contract requirements, Sinohydro Bureau 11 Co needs to technologically transform and upgrade four units. The units are 1.42 meters high, with a maximum diameter of 13.21 meters and a weight of 450 metric tons.

In the process of upgrading the No 20 unit, POWERCHINA's project department followed the construction schedule and safety requirements with high standards. The company completed the construction tasks at each stage, paving the way for other units' power generation.

The Ilha Solteira Hydropower Station in Brazil. [Photo/POWERCHINA]