GDF Suez continues wind energy developments in Latin America

Feb 13, 2009 -- Datamonitor

French power and natural gas major GDF Suez has announced that it is continuing its expansion in renewable energy through developments in wind power in Latin America.

In Chile, construction of the Monte Redondo wind farm, which is located 320km north of Santiago, began at the start of 2009. Monte Redondo will have an installed capacity of 38MW, and will cost $120 million.

The plant will be operational in October 2009. The project will reduce CO2 emissions, enabling it to register for carbon credits under the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

In February 2009, the company has sold 100GWh/year from the Monte Redondo wind farm at an auction organized by the local distribution company CGE. The contract runs for 14 years and starts in January 2010.

GDF Suez said that its Brazilian subsidiary, Tractebel Energia, will inaugurate the Pedra do Sal wind power plant in Piaui, in the northeast of Brazil. The plant will produce 18MW and will ensure improved quality of electricity supply in the region.

In Brazil, GDF Suez is currently also constructing two hydro plants, Estreito with 1,087MW and Jirau with 3,300MW, and has recently inaugurated the Sao Salvador facility which has 241MW of installed capacity.

The company's investments for alternative energy in Brazil also include the Areia Branca small hydro-electric plant which has 19.8MW capacity and the start-up is expected May 2009; and the Beberibe wind farm with 25.6MW which has been operational since September 2008.