WEG, in partnership with Interunion — a company specialized in project integration, execution, and technology supply in the sugar-energy industry — is providing equipment for power generation using steam for the country’s biggest waste-to-energy plant. This project, led by Grupo Orizon, a leader in waste valorization, in collaboration with SABESP, is scheduled to start-up operations in Barueri in 2027.

As an innovative and pioneering initiative in Brazil, this project will significantly benefit the community by processing solid waste collected from the municipalities of Barueri, Carapicuíba, and Santana de Parnaíba, part of the São Paulo Metropolitan Region. According to Mr. Milton Pilão, Orizon Group CEO, this solution is a viable alternative for densely populated area with limited landfill space: “Orizon Group is building Brazil’s first Waste to Energy plant. The facility will start operations in January 2027 and will ensure proper waste disposal in a highly populated region where landfills are becoming scarce and have a shorter lifespan,” he emphasizes.

Energy recovery projects are widely adopted in Asian and European countries, where landfill space is no longer available, are now beginning to gain ground in Latin America. “We are forerunners in implementing this solution, which better positions us for new opportunities in the sector,” Mr. Milton Pilão asserts.

WEG’s supply scope includes a 20MW turbogenerator set, featuring a condensing steam turbine with reaction technology, turbo gearbox, and synchronous generator ST 41 line. The supply set also includes a hydraulic unit, control and protection panels, and a comprehensive range of services such as installation, commissioning, assisted startup and operation, operation training, and performance testing.

“We are proud to be part of this pioneering project in Brazil, which will have an extremely positive impact on the Barueri community and the entire country. This reinforces WEG’s commitment to contributing increasingly to a more efficient and sustainable world,” said Mr. Paulo Sinoti, WEG Energy Director.

The construction of the Barueri Energy Recovery Power Plant will take 30 months and represents a significant change in urban waste management by converting solid waste into dispatchable electric power, sufficient to supply about 320,000 people. Besides being a sustainable solution, this project turns an environmental liability into clean energy, generating jobs and promoting regional development.