COPEL (Companhia Paranaense de Energia) has awarded ANDRITZ two turnkey contracts for the supply and commissioning of additional generating units at the Foz do Areia and Segredo hydropower plants on the Iguaçu River in Paraná, Brazil. The combined order value is in the mid three-digit million-euro range and was included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026.
A Massive Expansion of Capacity
The expansion will add more than 2.1 GW of new capacity to the two hydropower plants, which currently have a combined output of 2.9 GW. As a result, COPEL’s total installed capacity will grow from 6.2 GW to 8.3 GW – a 34% increase that strengthens the stability and resilience of the Brazilian electric grid and supports the large-scale integration of renewable energy.
This investment is part of contracts awarded to COPEL through Brazil’s 2nd Capacity Reserve Auction (LRCAP) , a government program aimed at ensuring reliable power supply. It represents COPEL’s largest investment in power generation in decades and marks a significant milestone for the country’s energy transition.
ANDRITZ’s Scope of Work
ANDRITZ’s contract scope covers the full execution and commissioning of the new generating units, including:
- Turbines and generators
- All related equipment
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with nearly 2,000 direct jobs expected at peak activity. The units are planned to begin operation in 2030.
Leadership Perspective
Dieter Hopf, CEO at ANDRITZ Hydropower Brazil, emphasized the significance of the project: “This expansion will be a milestone in Brazil’s hydropower generation, a sector that has seen limited new projects in recent years. It strengthens the Brazilian electric system at a critical moment in the country’s energy transition.”
Strengthening Brazil’s Energy Future
The project reinforces the long-standing partnership between COPEL and ANDRITZ and underlines ANDRITZ’s role as a key enabler of Brazil’s shift toward a cleaner, more reliable energy system. By significantly increasing hydropower capacity, this expansion supports grid stability, enables greater integration of variable renewables, and contributes to Brazil’s broader energy transition goals.
