The contract with Transmisión Eléctrica del Norte will see Alstom install three new 500 kV substations in Chacayita, Los Changos and Cumbres, as well as expand the Nueva Cardones substation.
A country-wide 580km super electric highway interconnection system will be created under the project, which is expected to be completed in 2017.
It will bring together the two existing highways that include Central Interconnected System (SIC) and the Interconnected System of Norte Grande (SING).
Covering central Chile, the SIC transmits about 70% of electricity and serves more than 90% of Chile’s population.
SING serves northern Chile, which produces an additional 20% of the country’s energy with plans to produce more in the future.
Alstom will provide its air-insulated and gas-insulated substations that will contribute to a total of 1500MW of energy transmission.
The company will also supply and install its high voltage power compensation products to improve the power quality of installations.
Alstom Grid vice president in Latin America Sergio Gomes said: "The Mejillones – Cardones Transmission line is a tremendous step forward for Chile.
"It is a fantastic opportunity for Alstom to put its innovative technologies to the fore again and contribute to improving the electricity supply for the Chilean people, while bolstering the Chilean economy."
The Chilean Energy Ministry is leading the interconnection project as part of a plan to develop sustainable power supply.
Image: Alstom T155 gas insulated substation. Photo: courtesy of Alstom Grid.
