Termorio

“1058 megawatts? Enough to power a small city!” a visitor exclaimed, staring at Termorio. The Termorio power plant, formerly known as the Governador Leonel Brizola power station, hums with immense power in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro. This isn’t just any power plant. It was once the largest thermal power plant in South America. Originally a joint venture between Petrobras, PRS, and Sideco, Termorio came online on May 31, 2006. The initial investment was a staggering US$740 million. Its construction aimed to address Rio de Janeiro’s energy deficit, as the state imported about 60% of its electricity in 1999. Termorio’s impact was immediate and substantial, flipping the script and giving Rio a 20% energy surplus. The sheer scale of this facility is impressive. Six gas turbines and three steam turbines work in a combined cycle system, maximizing energy efficiency. This plant doesn’t just generate electricity, it also plays a role in cogeneration, producing both electricity and thermal energy. A dedicated 13.7 km transmission line connects Termorio to the national grid, ensuring its output benefits the entire country. The plant’s name honors Leonel Brizola, a former governor who championed public control over strategic sectors like energy. His nationalization of a US electricity company in Rio Grande do Sul is seen as a key moment in Brazil’s energy history. Termorio stands as a testament to Brizola’s vision and a symbol of Brazil’s energy independence.