BRAZIL'S INDUSTRIAL conglomerate, Votorantim, plans to invest US$627M in nine hydroelectric power generation projects to ensure supply to its own industries. The investment figure is Votorantim's share of the nine projects, whose total installed capacity of 3120MW guarantees output of 1756MW.
The nine projects are Barra Grande, Pedra do Cavalo, Capim Branco 1 and 2, Pai Quere, Salto Pilao, Picada, Serra Facao and Santa Isabel. Construction on Santa Isabel was halted in November so federal environment agency Ibama could reexamine water use along the Araguaia river in Tocantins state.
The power projects will increase the group's self-generation capacity to 60% from 35%.
