The Santos Port Authority (APS) published the tender notice establishing the rules for the concession of the hydroelectric plant at the Port of Santos.
The complex also includes a transmission line of approximately 30 km, as well as support areas and servers. The project provides for the modernization of the facility, increasing its installed capacity from the current 15 MW to 18 MW.
Furthermore, the initiative includes the upgrade of the transmission line and the revitalization of the 61 homes and community facilities in the locality of Itatinga, with the possibility of developing historical and ecological tourism. Finally, the tender includes the opportunity to integrate the complex into the production of green hydrogen (H2V).
The future concessionaire must guarantee the priority and free supply of a portion of the generated energy to cover APS’s internal consumption. The surplus energy may be sold. The operational performance of the plant will be periodically evaluated using electricity sector indicators.
“The Itatinga concession combines the preservation of a centenary asset with the forward-looking vision of the Port Authority. With the modernization of the plant and the possibility of integration for the production of green hydrogen, the Port of Santos consolidates its role in the energy transition, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency,” stated the president of APS, Anderson Pomini.
The contract will have a term of 20 years from the date of transfer of the area, with the possibility of extension. The investments necessary for the modernization of the civil, hydraulic and electromechanical structures are estimated at approximately R$ 200 million. As consideration, the concessionaire will transfer to APS a percentage no less than 3% of the gross operating revenue calculated annually.
The submission of the volumes containing the representation documents, proposals and qualification documents will take place on August 11, 2026. The public session for the opening of proposals is scheduled for August 17, 2026, starting at 3:00 PM. The tender notice and its annexes are available at this link.
Historical heritage
The Itatinga Small Hydroelectric Plant (PCH Itatinga) is one of the most important landmarks of Brazilian engineering. Its construction began in 1904 and ended in 1910, becoming one of the first run-of-river hydroelectric plants in Brazil. For over a century, the plant has provided energy support to the activities of the Port of Santos, establishing itself as an essential asset for the expansion of the logistics complex.
The village of Itatinga, for its part, possesses a unique historical and cultural value, with well-preserved original buildings, worker housing and community facilities such as a church, a school, a bakery and a sports club, among others. This is a cultural, historical and architectural heritage of recognized importance, which arouses interest in heritage conservation initiatives, ecotourism and historical-cultural tourism.
