GE Vernova’s H-Class Turbine Powers Up Eneva’s Azulão Complex In Brazil

GE Vernova Inc. and Eneva, Brazil’s largest private natural gas operator, celebrated the start of commercial operations at the Azulão I thermal power plant in Silves, about 205 miles (330 km) from Manaus. Contracted to provide 295 MW of capacity to Brazil’s National Interconnected System (SIN) for 15 years, the new plant will contribute to enhancing the stability, reliability, and security of the country’s electricity supply. The project is the first asset of Eneva’s Azulão Complex, which comprises the Azulão I and Azulão II power plants.

At the heart of the Azulão I facility is GE Vernova’s 7HA.02 gas turbine, paired with an H65 generator. The advanced turbine is expected to deliver the rapid load-following capabilities needed to balance the grid and support the growth of non-dispatchable renewables, like wind and solar, across Brazil. Azulão Complex, featuring both Azulão I and II, is powered by GE Vernova’s H-Class technology, which GE Vernova said is renowned for its efficiency and grid-balancing capabilities. The complex is expected to deliver a combined output of up to 950 MW, equivalent to the power needed by approximately 4 million Brazilian homes, and is scheduled to begin commercial operation in July 2027.

The project’s success is anchored by Eneva’s pioneering Reservoir-To-Wire (R2W) model, which improves infrastructure by generating electricity at the source of natural gas production. The plant will be integrated into the Tucuruí-Macapá-Manaus, one of the world’s longest and most challenging high-voltage transmission corridors spanning 1150 miles (1850 km). To do that, Eneva and GE Vernova implemented a custom-engineered Sub Synchronous Resonance (SSR) blocking filter paired with a torsional stress relay solution to help ensure the plant could operate reliably and in harmony with the surrounding transmission system.

Using its local service capabilities, GE Vernova secured a 15-year service agreement aiming to help ensure the highest levels of reliability and operational availability.

“The start of commercial operations at Azulão I represents the realization of one of Eneva’s most significant projects. This development demonstrates our ability to structure and execute large-scale strategic investments, even in highly complex logistical and operational environments. The Azulão Complex reinforces the consistency of our integrated business model, the strength of our company, and our commitment to contributing to Brazil’s energy security and economic development,” said Rafael Coitinho, engineering, construction, and assembling director at Eneva.

According to Brazil’s Ten-Year Energy Expansion Plan, developed by the Energy Research Company (EPE), renewables are expected to cover more than 85% of Brazil’s electricity generation by 2035, particularly with the expansion of wind and solar generation. Given the inherent intermittency of these sources, gas turbines are critical for balancing the system, providing dispatchable power necessary to stabilize the grid and help meet demand.

“Azulão is the ultimate expression of our comprehensive portfolio strength,” said Marco Vera, vice president of new units for GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in Latin America. “By integrating our advanced gas-powered technology with specialized, cutting-edge grid-stabilization solutions, and long-term maintenance services, we have proven that we can deploy high-efficiency power in even the most complex transmission environments. Our ability to tailor these end-to-end solutions reflects our deep commitment to addressing our customers’ most demanding energy needs and underscores our unwavering dedication to supporting Brazil’s economic development and long-term energy security.”

GE Vernova’s presence in Brazil spans over 100 years and is supported by a local workforce of approximately 5000 employees, including dedicated local service capabilities. The company’s commitment is underpinned by an installed base that generates approximately 40% of Brazil’s total electricity.