Itaipu resumes call for US$660mn tech overhaul

Itaipu Binacional, operator of the 14GW Itaipu hydroelectric plant on the Brazil-Paraguay border, has resumed the procurement process for the US$660mn technological revamp of the dam.

The call for the 14-year modernization project was suspended in April due to COVID-19.

Previously qualified groups may now schedule technical visits through November 5 and submit consultations through November 11, with commercial bids due December 15.

The tender is divided into three packages, the first of which entails the supply of systems, equipment, materials and services for the generation units, centralized control, auxiliary electrical and mechanical services, 500kV GIS substation, complementary infrastructure, and dam and spillway; and drafting the executive project and supervision services.

A second package involves the supply of materials and equipment for the general auxiliary services, and the third package is for electromechanical disassembly and assembly services.

Qualified groups for package one are Consorcio Andritz Hydro-ABB, Consorcio CATI (Voith Hydro-Siemens-Tractebel Engineering) and Consorcio GE (GE Energías Renovables-Grid Solutions Transmisión de Energía).

Package two qualifers are Concret Mix, Consorcio Alto Paraná (Constructec Ingeniería-Proyectos y Montajes-Ingenieros Constructores Industriales) and Tecnoedil, and for package three, CIE and Rieder.

Package one was open to firms based in Brazil, and lots two and three to firms based in Paraguay.