Late last year Ibama approved the construction of the project, which is part of the 6450MW Madeira scheme in the west of the country.

The project is being built by Energia Sustentavel do Brasil (Enersus) – a concessionaire led by GDF Suez. The first units of the plant, which will a total of 44 units, are to be operational from 2012.

The Madeira scheme also includes the 3150MW Santo Antonio project.