• Joint engineering efforts slash unit downtime significantly.
• Comprehensive upgrade initiative boosts efficiency and safety to strengthen long-term energy reliability in Brazil.
• Full migration to 100% digital control systems sets a new benchmark for plant performance and operational resilience.

SÃO PAULO, Brazil (September 14, 2026) – SPIC Brasil, the operator of the São Simão Hydroelectric Power Plant (UHE), situated on the boundary between Goiás and Minas Gerais states, has partnered with GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) to announce the successful modernization of Generating Unit (UG) 3. This marks the third of six total units to be fully overhauled. The upgrade was completed in just 10.3 months—faster than prior units and under the 12-month regulatory window set by the National System Operator (ONS) and the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel).

The revitalization of the 1,710 MW facility, which powers around 6 million households, is being executed by a consortium led by GE Vernova, with Powerchina contributing hydromechanical components, SDSC systems, and electrical and mechanical balance-of-plant (BOP) equipment. Through the integration of specialized engineering expertise, proprietary technologies, and a shared commitment to operational excellence, the project ensures the plant will deliver enhanced reliability for the next three decades.

Engineering precision and operational alignment
The modernization effort presented significant logistical and technical complexities. The dismantling phase alone, essential to initiate upgrades, spanned nearly three months. Throughout the process, engineering teams maneuvered massive components, including a 12-meter-tall railcar gate and parts weighing up to 410 tons.

With UG3 now back online, the project remains on track, and preparations are already underway for the upcoming shutdown of UG1—the fourth unit scheduled to enter the modernization cycle.

GE Vernova oversees the entire scope of engineering, system integration, installation, and commissioning for core plant systems, including turbines, generators, and auxiliary infrastructure.

“The São Simão Hydroelectric Plant plays a critical role in Brazil’s energy matrix. Completing this phase well ahead of typical industry timelines highlights our team’s technical proficiency. This successful collaboration with SPIC Brasil and our consortium partner, leveraging accumulated insights and GE Vernova’s global modernization expertise, underscores how upgrading existing infrastructure is one of the most strategic and cost-effective approaches to reinforcing national energy security and modernizing the power sector,” said Cláudio Trejger, CEO of Hydro Power at GE Vernova in Latin America.

Project scope and long-term investment strategy
The extensive modernization program is backed by an investment exceeding R$ 1.2 billion over a ten-year horizon. The initiative is designed to enhance the efficiency, safety, and dependability of the São Simão plant, ensuring its continued high performance for another 30 years.

Completion of all six units is expected by 2029 and includes seven major work packages—ranging from transformer replacements and overhead crane refurbishments to the full replacement of control systems, transitioning from legacy analog platforms to fully digital, state-of-the-art architectures.

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