OWNER’S ENGINEER FOR THE JIRAU POWER STATION - BRAZIL
Leme
will be the Owner’s Engineer to the Consortium Energia Sustentavel do Brasil (of which GDF SUEZ Energy International constitutes 50.1%) for construction of the Jirau hydroelectric power station in Brazil. With a capacity of 3300 MW (44 x 75 MW), the power station is due to be commissioned in 2013. It currently represents the largest investment in the energy sector in Brazil.
A brief history of the project: in order to increase its chances of being granted the BOO (Build, Own, Operate) concession, the Consortium Energia Sustentavel do Brasil asked Leme to investigate an alternative design solution for the Jirau hydroelectric power station. By proposing modifications of a technical nature and moving the site of the projected power station 12 km upstream, Leme presented a solution which would offer the Consortium financial, technical and environmental guarantees, enabling it to win the concession. The solution proposed by Leme - another location and a different design from the other projects - proved more economical and more environmentally-friendly, and enabled the consortium to submit a competitive tender.
