OREANDA-NEWS. Mitsui & Co., Ltd. has agreed with GDF SUEZ Energy Latin America Participacoes Ltda. ("GSELA"), subsidiary of the global energy group GDF SUEZ S.A. ("GDF SUEZ"), to participate in 3,750MW Jirau run-of-the river hydropower project.

Mitsui, through its Brazilian subsidiary to be newly established, will acquire 20% equity of ESBR Participacoes S.A. ("ESBRP"), which owns the Project. Capital expenditure of the Project is estimated approximately BRL16 billion (JPY800 billion) as of December 2012.

The Project is to construct and operate the Jirau Hydropower Plant, which is located on the Madeira River in the State of Rondonia in northern Brazil, and sell electricity mainly to electric power distributors based on long-term power purchase agreements for 30 years. Its total generation capacity of 3,750 MW will make the Project the fourth largest hydropower plant in Brazil. A loan agreement on a project finance basis has already been executed with BNDES (Brazilian Development Bank) and a group of commercial banks, and both the operational license and environmental license have been already granted. Full commercial operation with all 50 turbines is expected to start in 2015.

The transaction further expands the long-term partnership between Mitsui and GDF SUEZ, following a successful track record of joint investment and cooperation, including projects in Canada, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia and Australia. The Jirau transaction represents an extension of this partnership to Latin America, and a joint strategy of accelerating developments in fast growing markets and expanding their renewable portfolios.

Hydropower does not require fossil fuel and emits almost no greenhouse gases. The Project adopts run-of-the-river type of hydropower, making use of the natural river flow for power generation. The project gives due consideration to the surrounding biodiversity such as installing fish transportation system and relocation of existing vegetation. Hydropower provides base power load amounting to 90% of Brazil's power generation and by participating in Jirau Project, Mitsui will contribute to supporting the growing electricity demand in Brazil.

Mitsui will hold, after its participation in Jirau Project, approximately 6,694MW on an installed net generating capacity basis, including projects under construction. With this Project, hydropower will account for 1,287 MW, or approximately 19% of the abovementioned generating capacity. Mitsui will pursue further investment in power projects in Latin America and other regions with growth potential, aiming to develop a diversified power generation portfolio with a balanced fuel-mix in various geographical locations.

Closing of the transaction is expected to occur during the second half of 2013, upon satisfaction of certain conditions, including obtaining approvals from Brazilian regulatory authorities and lenders of the Project.