Brazilian generator Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais (Cemig) has begun to export electricity from the Irape hydro station via the newly commissioned Aracuai 2 transmission line.
The 360MW plant was fully commissioned in late 2006, almost a year after reservoir filling began behind the 208m high embankment dam impounding the Jequitinhoha river in Minas Gerais state.
Construction of the project began in 2002, the concession having been signed in 2000. Hydrological studies to determine the hydro potential of the river began in the early 1960s. River diversion through two 1.2km long tunnels was in 2003 to build the dam and surface powerhouse at the foot of the left abutment.
The consortium for the concession includes Andrade Gutierrez, Odebrecht and Voith Siemens. Three units of 120MW were installed in the project and commissioned over June to October 2006.