MPX Energia, a diversified Brazilian energy company with the largest licensed portfolio of integrated energy projects in South America, totaling 11 GW, and complementary businesses in power generation, coal mining, and natural gas E&P, announced that it has signed a Letter of Commitment to Bertin Energia e Participações S.A. to acquire UTE MC2 Joinville S.A. and UTE MC2 João Neiva S.A., holders of permits that allow the construction of liquefied natural gas thermal power plants with a total capacity of 660 MW in the state of Espírito Santo.

The Projects sold energy in the A-5 Auction held on September 30, 2008, in the form of Regulated Market Power Purchase Agreements by Availability (CCEARs), totaling 450 average MW at a price (Cost Benefit Index – ICB) of R$ 146.0/MWh, which guarantee annual fixed revenues of R$ 323.8 million (figures as of January 2008). The CCEARs have a term of 15 years commencing in January 2013.

MPX intends to transfer the Projects to the Parnaíba Thermoelectric Complex, in the State of Maranhão. The Company already holds an Installation License to develop 1,863 MW of gas-fired capacity in this region.

OGX Maranhão, an MPX related company, has presented to the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) the Development Plan for two natural gas fields in the Parnaíba Basin and estimates that production will reach 5.7 million m3/day by 2013, a volume greater than the expected consumption of the Projects.

This acquisition represents an important step towards the complete integration of the natural gas from the Parnaiba Basin to power generation. The acquisition is subject to obtaining authorization from the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) to the transfer of the Projects to the Parnaíba Thermoelectric Complex. The final commercial terms will be disclosed when the transaction is authorized by ANEEL.

MPX, the  EBX Group energy company, is engaged  in the exploration and trade of natural resources (coal and natural gas), logistics to carry these fuels, and power generation and trade.

The faster growth platform in the domestic power sector, MPX has a portfolio of four ventures with 1.463 MW of contracted energy and seven greenfield projects in Brazil and in Chile, adding up more than 11 GW capacity. Furthermore, MPX owns world class coal and natural gas assets in Colombia and in Brazil, with flexibility to supply to its own plants or the international market.