Eneva and GE Vernova have commenced commercial operations at the 295 MW Azulão I thermal power plant in Silves, Amazonas, marking the first operational asset of Eneva’s Azulão Complex. The plant is contracted to supply 295 MW of capacity to Brazil’s National Interconnected System (SIN) for 15 years, supporting greater stability, reliability and security of electricity supply.
Located around 330 kilometres from Manaus, Azulão I features GE Vernova’s 7HA.02 gas turbine coupled with an H65 generator. The technology is designed to provide fast load-following capability, enabling the plant to respond to changes in electricity demand and support the integration of variable renewable generation such as wind and solar power.
The project’s success is anchored by Eneva’s pioneering “Reservoir-to-Wire” (R2W) model, which improves infrastructure by generating electricity at the source of natural gas production. To integrate this plant into the Tucuruí-Macapá-Manaus one of the world’s longest and most challenging high-voltage transmission corridors spanning ~1,850 km (1,150 miles) — Eneva and GE Vernova implemented a custom-engineered Sub Synchronous Resonance (SSR) blocking filter paired with a torsional stress relay solution to help ensure the plant could operate reliably and in harmony with the surrounding transmission system.
Additionally, utilizing its extensive local service capabilities, GE Vernova secured a 15-year service agreement aiming to help ensure the highest levels of reliability and operational availability.
“The start of commercial operations at Azulão I represents the realization of one of Eneva’s most significant projects. This development demonstrates our ability to structure and execute large-scale strategic investments, even in highly complex logistical and operational environments. The Azulão Complex reinforces the consistency of our integrated business model, the strength of our company, and our commitment to contributing to Brazil’s energy security and economic development,” said Rafael Coitinho, Engineering, Construction & Assembling Director at Eneva.
According to Brazil’s Ten-Year Energy Expansion Plan (PDE 2035), developed by the Energy Research Company (EPE), renewables are expected to cover more than 85% of Brazil’s electricity generation by 2035, particularly with the expansion of wind and solar generation. Given the inherent intermittency of these sources, gas turbines are critical for balancing the system, providing dispatchable power necessary to stabilize the grid and help meet demand.
“Azulão is the ultimate expression of our comprehensive portfolio strength” said Marco Vera, VP of New Units for GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in Latin America. “By integrating our advanced gas-powered technology with specialized, cutting-edge grid-stabilization solutions, and long-term maintenance services, we have proven that we can deploy high-efficiency power in even the most complex transmission environments. Our ability to tailor these end-to-end solutions reflects our deep commitment to addressing our customer’s most demanding energy needs and underscores our unwavering dedication to supporting Brazil’s economic development and long-term energy security.”
GE Vernova’s presence in Brazil spans over 100 years, supported by a local workforce of approximately 5,000 employees, including dedicated local service capabilities. The company’s commitment is underpinned by a robust installed base—generating approximately 40% of Brazil’s total electricity.
