GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) and SPIC Brasil announced the completion of the modernization of Generating Unit 3 (UG3) at the São Simão Hydroelectric Power Plant in Brazil, located on the border between Goiás and Minas Gerais.

The work was completed in 10.3 months, under the 12-month regulatory limit set by Brazil's National System Operator (ONS) and the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel). This is the third of six generating units to undergo full renovation at the 1,710 MW facility, which supplies energy to approximately 6 million homes.

The modernization is being carried out by a consortium led by GE Vernova, with Powerchina responsible for supplying hydromechanical, SDSC, and electrical and mechanical balance-of-plant systems. GE Vernova manages engineering, integration, installation, and commissioning for the plant's main systems, including turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment.

The project involved handling components weighing up to 410 tons. The dismantling phase alone took approximately three months. With UG3 delivered, teams are preparing for the shutdown of UG1, which will be the fourth unit to enter the modernization cycle.

The full program, covering all six units, is backed by an investment exceeding R$1.2 billion distributed over ten years and is expected to be completed in 2029. The project includes seven major work packages, including transformer replacement, overhead crane refurbishment, and a full transition from analog to digital control systems. The modernization is intended to extend the plant's operational life by 30 years.

SPIC Brasil CEO Adriana Waltrick noted that lessons learned from previous units have enabled continuous improvement and that synergies are being captured with a separate expansion project for a future seventh generating unit, UG7.