Aneel okays test operations for new hydros, thermo plant

Brazilian utility sector regulator Aneel has authorized test operations at three generator units at the 216MW Dardanelos hydro. In a regulatory filing, the watchdog said it has okayed tests at UG1 and UG4, each with 58MW of installed capacity. Aneel also greenlighted tests at the UG5 unit, with 29MW of capacity. The Dardanelos hydro was built in the center-western state of Mato Grosso by the Aguas da Pedra consortium. The consortium is made up of local utility Neoenergia (51%) and federal power companies Eletrobras Eletronorte (24.5%) and Eletrobras Chesf (24.5%). Commercial operations at the three generator units are likely to be launched within a month if test results are approved by Aneel. *** In another filing, the regulator approved test operations at a generator unit at the 40MW Colombo thermo. Generator unit 5 (UG5) will be running tests in the coming days. The facility has a capacity of 4MW. Colombo was built in the southeastern state of São Paulo, and is owned by local firm Usina Colombo. *** Aneel also okayed test operations for the two generator units at the 3.6MW Prata small hydro. In a separate filing, the watchdog gave the green light for tests at the plant, located in the southern state of Santa Catarina. The Prata small hydro is owned by local power company Companhia Energética Rio das Flores.