WEG was the company hired by CTG Brasil, one of the leaders in clean energy generation in Brazil, to supply twenty-one 205 MVA - 440 kV transformers that will be installed at Ilha Solteira Hydropower Plant, located on the Paraná River, between the cities of Ilha Solteira (SP) and Selvíria (MS).

The supply is part of the plant modernization project that has been carried out  by CTG Brasil since 2017. Initially, the replacement of the machines was expected to occur in stages over the ten years of the project – until 2027 – but it was brought forward thanks to the partnership with WEG, which was fast in the deliveries. 

"By performing preventive tests, we realized that bringing forward the modernization of the transformers would be important to increase the generation availability at Ilha Solteira, in addition to increasing the plant safety", Evandro Vasconcelos, Vice President of Generation and Sales at CTG Brasil said. For the executive, “being able to count on a high quality partner like WEG was essential for this decision”. 

The new transformers have a service life expectancy of at least 35 years, with high energy efficiency, power 20.6% higher than the previous model and a digital monitoring system. “These transformers will not only replace the old equipment but also avoid interruptions in power generation and ensure the plant operation during the concession, minimizing operating risks and machinery shutdown”, Carlos Diether Prinz, Managing Director of WEG T&D explains.

The partnership between WEG and CTG Brasil benefits several operations of the clean energy generation company. In addition to supplying power transformers to Ilha Solteira, WEG has recently supplied modernization equipment for Salto Grande, Rosana, Taquaruçu and Garibaldi plants, all managed by CTG Brasil. Another delivery of the partnership is scheduled for July, destined for the  Retiro Small Hydroelectric Station. 

Modernization at full speed

CTG Brasil goes on with its modernization schedule for Jupiá and Ilha Solteira hydropower plants, which also involve other machines, such as turbines and generators. According to Vasconcelos, “this process is essential to contribute to the development of the country based on quality and safety in the generation of 100% clean and renewable electricity, an essential activity for Brazil’s operation. It is also important to emphasize that, during this pandemic period, all the work has been carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the health authorities, respecting the lives of our employees, partners and the whole society ”. 

Together, Ilha Solteira and Jupiá add up to 5 GW of installed capacity for clean energy, enough to meet the demand of more than 2 million Brazilians. The plant modernization project should be completed by 2027, with a total investment of R$ 3 billion, representing the largest hydropower plant modernization project in Brazil’s history.