Areva wins $400 million contract in Brazil for HVDC transmission link

Dec 17, 2009 - Electric Light & Power

Areva’s Transmission and Distribution division won an order worth about $400 million by IE Madeira for a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission link in Brazil.

The system will transport power from the Madeira hydro complex located in the Northwestern Amazon region across the world’s longest transmission line (2,375 kilometers) to reach southeastern Brazil where power consumption is booming.

The Madeira hydroelectric complex is composed of two power plants, with total power capacity of 6,300 MW.

Areva’s HVDC system will convert the alternating current into direct current to ensure minimal losses during transmission across the country.

The HVDC system will be ready for commercial operation in April 2013.

IEMadeira is a special purpose company controlled by Companhia de Transmissao de Energia Eletrica Paulista, a private transmission company, owned by FURNAS Centrais Eletricas and Companhia Hidro Eletrica do Sao Francisco, both state-owned transmission companies.