OREANDA-NEWS. GDF SUEZ is pleased to announce that through its subsidiary Tractebel Energia, the Group continues to strengthen its renewable energy position in Brazil. Around 750 MW of additional renewable capacity is expected to be commissioned over the next 6 years through construction at the Santa Monica Wind Park and at the recently acquired Campo Largo complex. Both projects are located in the Northeast of Brazil.

Gerard Mestrallet, Chairman and CEO of GDF SUEZ, commented: "These new developments confirm our commitment to Brazil, which is a key market for GDF SUEZ. Brazil is particularly suitable for wind energy investments, taking into account the attractiveness of both the natural environment and the commercial background."

The 97 MW Santa Monica project, in the State of Cear close to Tractebel Energia's existing Trairi (115 MW) and Beberibe Wind Farms (26 MW), will benefit from shared infrastructure including substations and a transmission line. Santa Monica is expected to become operational in the second half of 2016 and its output has been sold directly to commercial customers under contracts with terms of up to 8 years.

Campo Largo, located in the State of Bahia, comprises several wind development projects totaling around 650 MW that are in different phases of development. There is also an option to develop solar projects in the same area. These projects are subject to full local approvals and are expected to be developed in the next 6 years.

In addition to these projects, Tractebel Energia also commissioned 115 MW at the Trairi Wind Park in the first quarter of this year.

GDF SUEZ, a major energy player in Brazil

GDF SUEZ, through its 68.7% owned subsidiary Tractebel Energia, is the largest independent power producer in Brazil, representing approximately 6% of the country's total installed power generation capacity. 87% of the 8,577 MW capacity in operation (at 31 December 2013) is from renewable resources. GDF SUEZ is currently also constructing Jirau, a major 3,750 MW hydropower plant located on the Madeira river, in the State of Rondonia. The project, which will produce clean and renewable energy to meet the electricity demand of 10 million Brazilian households, was registered with the United Nations under the Clean Development Mechanism. The Group is also present in energy related services and has been supplying the Brazilian market with LNG since 2012.