APS launches notice for transfer of the hydroelectric plant at the Port of Santos

The Santos Port Authority (APS) published this Monday (8), in the Official Gazette of the Union, the bidding notice that establishes the rules for the onerous transfer of use of the Itatinga complex, an area located in Bertioga-SP that houses the historic hydroelectric plant and village.

The Complex also includes a transmission line of approximately 30 km, as well as support areas and servers. The project foresees the repowering of the plant, increasing from the current 15 MW to 18 MW of installed power.

It is also planned to modernize the transmission line and revitalize the 61 residences and community facilities in Vila de Itatinga, with the possibility of exploring historical and ecological tourism. The notice finally addresses the opportunity to integrate the complex into the production of green hydrogen (H2V).

The future assignee must ensure the priority and free supply of part of the energy generated to meet the internal consumption of the APS. Surplus energy can be sold. The operational performance of the plant will be periodically measured using indicators from the electricity sector.

“The Itatinga concession combines the preservation of a century-old asset with the Port Authority’s vision of the future. 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”, assesses the president of APS, Anderson Pomini.

The contract will be valid for 20 years, counting from the date of taking over the area, with the possibility of extension. The investments required for the modernization of civil, hydraulic and electromechanical structures are estimated at around R$200 million. As consideration, the transferee will transfer to APS a percentage of not less than 3% of the Gross Operating Revenue calculated annually.

Receipt of the volumes containing representation, proposals and qualification documents will take place on August 11, 2026. The public session to open the proposals is scheduled for August 17, 2026, starting at 3 pm. The notice and its annexes are available at this link.

Historical heritage

The Itatinga Small Hydroelectric Power Station (PCH Itatinga) is one of the most important landmarks in national engineering. Its construction began in 1904 and completed in 1910, becoming one of the first Brazilian run-of-river hydroelectric plants. For more than a century, the plant provided energy support for the activities of the Port of Santos, consolidating itself as an essential asset for the expansion of the logistics complex.

The Village of Itatinga, in turn, has a unique historical-cultural value, with preserved original buildings, housing for workers and community facilities such as a church, school, bakery and sports club, among other facilities. It is a cultural, historical and architectural heritage of recognized relevance, which arouses interest in heritage preservation initiatives, ecotourism and historical-cultural tourism.