A third consortium could enter the bidding process for the construction of Brazil’s 11.3GW Belo Monte hydro plant, a spokesperson for the mines and energy ministry told BNamericas.

“There are good chances a third consortium will be formed soon for this tender,” the spokesperson said.

Two consortiums have so far submitted documents to take part in the bidding process. The consortiums involve major utility sector players like Brazilian state-run group Eletrobras (NYSE: EBR) and power company Neoenergia. Construction majors including Andrade Gutierrez are also on the list.

The ministry has so far denied requests by potential participants to raise the amount of power from the plant that can be traded on the unregulated market to 30% from 20%.

Some bidders have also sought to have the power target rate to be raised above 83 reais /MWh (US$46.60/MWh).

The ministry, however, has no plans to alter any of the stated conditions, the spokesperson said, citing the new mines and energy minister Marcio Zimmermann.

The Belo Monte tender is expected to take place on April 20.

The hydro plant will be built on the Xingu river in the Amazonian state of Pará. It is the main project of Brazil’s federal infrastructure program known as PAC.

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