In times of fast economic growth, the generation of electricity is vital for companies and communities to meet both domestic and industrial needs. With the intent of increasing the capacity of power generation, the Energisa Group, whose core business is the distribution of electricity, invested in the simultaneous construction of three SHP plants, on the Grande river in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. Energisa supplies energy to approximately 2.3 million of houses for a population of 6.5 million people within 385 municipalities.
The Group chose WEG to supply complete packages of equipment for the construction of the plants because of WEG's commitment during the last 15 years of partnership, its technical knowledge in the supply of turbines, generators, transformers and automation systems and the streamline management of the project.
The plants will have 31 MW of installed capacity, annual production of 157.4 GWh and will prevent the emission of 30,000 tons/year of CO ² into the atmosphere which represents clean power generation at a small cost to the environment. According to ANEEL, the Brazilian electric energy regulatory agency, the plants represent a major focus of priority with regard to the increase of electricity in Brazil, currently there are 405 SHP plants in the country, accounting for 3.1% of energy generated, with generating capacity of 3,646,750 kW.

Power generation with less environmental impact
SHP plants are characterized by the maximum power of up to 30 MW and a reservoir with an area equal to or less than 300 acres (3 km²). Unlike large hydro power plants, small hydro plants are not used for storage of large volumes of water. They operate a system that allows for the steady flow of water with the SHP plant taking advantage of the strength of the current and natural flow of rivers without having to store water. They require a small swamp area, often equivalent to the level of river floods.

Other advantages of SHP plants
• Renewable source with less environmental impact for present and future generations
• Faster construction and less social impact
• Distributed and decentralized generation
• Lower generation costs

Scope of Supply
• Synchronous generator (voltage/speed regulator panel, bearing lubrication hydraulic unit, frequency inverter panel, braking system)
• Medium voltage panels and cubicles
• Digital supervision and control system
• Step-up Transformer
• Kaplan Turbine, butterfly valve and accessories