The 3750MW Jirau hydropower plant in Brazil has become the world's largest renewable energy plant registered under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The project, which is under construction on the Madeira River in the state of Rondônia in Brazil, is currently jointly owned by GDF SUEZ (60%), Eletrosul (20%) and Chesf (20%). Designed as a run-of-the-river facility with a small reservoir, the plant will have the potential to meet the electricity demand of 10 million Brazilian households. The commissioning of the project is expected to start in mid 2013.
“The Jirau CDM project stands as a key element in Brazil's efforts to promote sustainable economic growth based on renewable power," commented Gérard Mestrallet, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GDF SUEZ. "This recognition by the United Nations illustrates the strong commitment of GDF SUEZ to develop renewable energy around the world and in Brazil."
The project was register on 17 May, with the registration effective from 26 December 2012, which enables the project to sell its credits to the European emission trading scheme (EU ETS).
