The second of three turbines at the 880 MW Campos Novos hydro power plant on the river Canoas, between the southeastern states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, has begun operations.

The 293.3 MW turbine joins the first unit which began operations this month with the third expected to come on stream shortly.

Brazilian energy regulator Aneel has approved the developers, Brazilian consortium Enercan, to begin testing the third turbine. Enercan comprises CPFL Geracao with 48.7%, Votorantim with 44.7% and utility Companhia Estadual de Energia Eletrica (CEEE) with a 6.5% stake.