Francisco Castro has over 40 years’ experience as a lead engineer in the design and commissioning of several hydroelectric power plants in Venezuela. Specifically, computer control systems at the Guri I and Guri II projects (10.000 MW output) and Macagua I and Macagua II projects (2.550 MW output). He has also extensive experience in the management of multidisciplinary technical teams.He was Project Manager, responsible for the Project Caruachi and to finish the ongoing Macagua II and Macagua III Projects. All these projects included:- design,- tendering,- evaluation and contract award, - manufacturing drawing revisions, - inspection and factory acceptance test, - start service/commissioning of the electromechanical equipment’s of the powerhouse, dams and switchyards, - contract follow up until termination.Consulting engineer for the state owned CADAFE-DESURCA helping in the specification update of all the electromechanical equipment for the La Vueltosa Hydro Project; to elaborate the specifications for the Computer Control System, Communication and Protection. Bidder qualification, bid evaluation, contract terms definition and contract signing with Alstom from Brazil. Project Manager responsible for the engineering co-ordination between Consortium Members ABB Canada, ABB Switzerland and ABB Venezuela, for the Guri II Turbines Retrofit (Distributed Control System, Unit Control Switchboard Retrofit, Instrumentation, Optical Fiber Network, Tele-protection and Synchronization Systems as Protection Relays).Site Lead Engineer and Project Manager responsible for the installation and commissioning of the new control system in Units 8, 9 y 12 at Guri, as ABB Venezuela consultant.