When the Igarapava electrical station opened on the Rio Grande, which separates the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais in 1998, it marked the beginning of Votorantim Metals´ search for self-sufficiency in energy for production.

In addition to economic aspects – the costs of electrical energy represent approximately 20% of the expenses of an industrial operation – using self-produced energy provides strategic advantages, such as greater protection for the company. Today, Votorantim Metals produces 60% of the energy used in its production units.

The Igaparava station, with an installed capacity of 210 megawatts (MW), produces enough electricity for a city of 600,000 residents. Igarapava stands out as having been built through Brazil’s first ever public private partnership, and also because of its strong commitment to environmental issues. The power station includes a fish ladder built within the 36.5 km² of its artificial lake.

In 2002, when it acquired the Paraibuna Metals Company in Minas Gerais,
VM took control of the Sobragi Hydroelectric Power Plant. With an installed capacity of 60 MW, the factury is part of the Barra Mansa steel unit, supplying 75% of the plant’s electrical requirements.

Also in Minas Gerais, the company built the Picada Hydroelectric Plant (in Juiz de Fora), which has been in operation since 2005, and includes a 12.6% share of the Capim Branco I and II plants, located between Araguari and Uberlândia, opened in 2006.

In 2007, the Campos Novos plants opened in Santa Catarina through a partnership with the Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (Brazilian Aluminum Company). VM holds a 20% share of this undertaking, and the electricity produced is used by our nickel business.