Overview
Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo/Guarulhos-Central Elétrica de Emergência CEE is a 9.6 MW diesel power plant in Brazil, providing emergency backup power to Guarulhos International Airport.
Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo/Guarulhos-Central Elétrica de Emergência CEE is a diesel-fired power plant located at Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, Brazil. With a capacity of 9.6 MW, it serves as an emergency backup facility, ensuring critical power supply for airport operations during grid outages. The plant is classified as a small-scale diesel power generation unit, typical for backup applications in large infrastructure facilities. As a diesel power plant, it operates using oil as its primary fuel. Diesel generators are commonly used for emergency and peak-shaving purposes due to their rapid start-up capabilities. In Brazil, such facilities are subject to national environmental regulations, including licensing requirements from environmental agencies like CETESB in São Paulo state. The plant's technology involves internal combustion engines, which produce emissions of CO2, NOx, and particulate matter, though its intermittent operation reduces overall environmental impact compared to baseload plants. The plant plays a vital role in ensuring the resilience of Guarulhos International Airport, one of the busiest airports in South America. By providing emergency power, it supports critical airport functions such as runway lighting, air traffic control, and passenger services during grid failures. This facility underscores the importance of backup power generation in maintaining safety and operational continuity at major transportation hubs.
Environmental context
The plant's diesel combustion emits CO2, NOx, and particulate matter, contributing to local air quality concerns, especially given its proximity to a major urban area and airport. However, its emergency-only operation limits runtime and overall emissions. Brazil's environmental framework, including CONAMA resolutions, governs emission standards for stationary sources. The plant's location near São Paulo, a densely populated region, necessitates compliance with stringent air quality regulations to mitigate health impacts.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located at Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, Brazil.
The plant has a capacity of 9.6 MW, making it a small-scale emergency backup facility.
The plant uses oil (diesel) as its primary fuel for emergency power generation.
Diesel power plants in Brazil must comply with CONAMA resolutions on air emissions, and facilities in São Paulo state are regulated by CETESB, which enforces emission limits for NOx, SOx, and particulate matter.
Emergency power ensures continuous operation of critical systems like runway lighting, air traffic control, and passenger services during grid outages, maintaining safety and operational integrity.