A partnership powering South America

Argentina, Paraguay – The Yacyretá hydroelectric power plant, located on the Paraná River on the border between Argentina and Paraguay, has long stood as a cornerstone of South America’s energy infrastructure. Since beginning commercial operations in 1994, the plant has supplied clean, renewable power to millions. Boasting an installed capacity of 3,200 MW, it is one of the continent’s largest power stations.

At the heart of Yacyretá’s continued success is a long-standing and trusted partnership with ANDRITZ. For over two decades, ANDRITZ has provided innovative solutions and technical expertise to help evolve and modernize the plant. This collaboration reached a milestone in 2021 when ANDRITZ signed an important contract with Entidad Binacional Yacyretá (EBY) for the supply of 18 new excitation systems based on the cutting-edge HIPASE-E technology.

Executed by ANDRITZ Hydropower’s expert teams, this project encompassed full-scope engineering, manufacturing, testing, and commissioning. It amply demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver complete, customized solutions. Completed successfully in early 2024, the project significantly enhanced the control and efficiency of the generating units, laying the foundation for future upgrades.

Building on this success, a new and even more ambitious contract was signed in early 2025 between ANDRITZ Hydropower Brazil and EBY. The scope: to rehabilitate four of the plant’s generators. This comprehensive rehabilitation project includes the design, manufacturing, and installation of four new stator windings, field services, and commissioning. With a project duration estimated at 36 months, the modernization will further boost the safety, stability, and reliability of the generating units.

“The execution of this project will bring significant benefits to the Yacyretá plant by improving operational safety and unit stability. Stator windings are critical and sensitive components for efficient energy generation and modernizing these parts will ensure greater reliability for the system,” explained Vinicius Martinelli, Head of Sales for the Service & Rehabilitation division at ANDRITZ in Brazil.

ANDRITZ’s role in this rehabilitation effort reinforces its strategic focus on service and rehabilitation in South America. The contract is the largest ever awarded to the company’s Service & Rehabilitation division in Brazil and stands as a testament to the trust and confidence placed in ANDRITZ by EBY.

Key to winning the contract was the close cooperation and knowledge exchange between ANDRITZ and EBY during the preliminary site assessment phase. This collaborative approach enabled a thorough understanding of the condition and requirements of the plant’s equipment, paving the way for an efficient and effective modernization strategy. 

As engineering details are finalized and the manufacturing phase begins, ANDRITZ will continue to uphold its commitment to quality, safety, and sustainable development. The modernization of Yacyretá is not just a technical achievement, it represents a vision for the future of hydropower in the region. 

This latest initiative underscores the power of partnership and the impact of long-term collaboration. ANDRITZ and Yacyretá are not only preserving a legacy of clean energy, they’re building a stronger, more resilient future for South America’s power supply.

Author: Cleania Barros