The Santos Port Authority (APS) published on Monday (August 8) in the Official Journal of the Union the bidding notice establishing the rules for the paid concession of the Itatinga complex, an area located in Bertioga, São Paulo that houses the historic hydroelectric plant and village.
The Complex also encompasses a transmission line of approximately 30 km, in addition to support areas and facilities. The project calls for the repowering of the plant, increasing from the current 15 MW to 18 MW of installed capacity.
Also planned is the modernization of the transmission line and the revitalization of the 61 residences and community facilities in Itatinga Village, with the possibility of developing historic and ecological tourism. The notice also addresses the opportunity to integrate the complex into green hydrogen (H2V) production.
The future concessionaire must ensure the priority and cost-free supply of a portion of the energy generated to meet APS's internal consumption. Excess energy may be commercialized. The operational performance of the plant will be assessed periodically through power sector indicators.
"The Itatinga concession combines the preservation of a century-old asset with the Port Authority's vision for the future. With the modernization of the plant and the possibility of integration into green hydrogen production, the Port of Santos consolidates its role in the energy transition, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency," says APS President Anderson Pomini.
The contract will be valid for 20 years, counted from the date of takeover of the area, with the possibility of renewal. The investments required for the modernization of civil, hydraulic and electromechanical structures are estimated at approximately R$ 200 million. In return, the concessionaire will remit to APS no less than 3% of the Gross Operating Revenue determined annually.
Receipt of the envelopes containing the representation documents, proposals and qualification materials 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 p.m. The notice and its annexes are available at this link.
Historic Heritage
The Itatinga Small Hydroelectric Plant (PCH Itatinga) is one of the most significant landmarks of Brazilian engineering. Its construction began in 1904 and was completed in 1910, making it one of the first run-of-river hydroelectric plants in Brazil. Over more than a century, the plant has provided energy support to the Port of Santos's activities, establishing itself as an essential asset for the expansion of the logistics complex.
Itatinga Village, in turn, has singular historic-cultural value, with preserved original buildings, worker housing and community facilities such as a church, school, bakery and sports club, among other installations. It is a cultural, historic and architectural heritage of recognized relevance that attracts interest for heritage preservation initiatives, ecotourism and historic-cultural tourism.
