The power highway would link two new hydropower plants in the northwest of the country with Sao Paulo, over a distance of 2,500 kilometers. Power would be transmitted at very high voltage (600 kilovolts) to minimize transmission losses. This would be Brazil’s second transmission project using HVDC (high-voltage direct current) at 600 kV.
ABB would supply two 3,150MW HVDC converter stations, and one 800MW HVDC back to back station to transmit power to Sao Paulo and the alternating current network in the northwest of the country. The stations, as a part of the government’s Accelerated Development program, is scheduled to be completed by 2012.
HVDC has lower losses and a smaller footprint than traditional AC transmission systems, and stabilizes intermittent power supplies that might otherwise disrupt the grid. For these reasons, the technology can be used for long-distance transmission projects which can deliver electricity from remote generation sources to the centers where it is needed.
Technology-based company Abengoa applies innovative solutions for the sustainable development of the infrastructure, environmental and energy sectors. It operates in approximately 70 countries, with its five Business Groups: Solar, Bio-energy, Environmental Services, Information Technology and Industrial Engineering and Construction.
