POWERCHINA completes phase I of Brazil’s UHVDC Transmission Project

Phase I of South America's first UHVDA (ultrahigh-voltage direct current) transmission line finished ahead of schedule on Oct 22.

Built by POWERCHINA's SEPC01 Electric Power Construction Corporation, the transmission line is a part of the Brazil's second largest hydropower project – the ±800kV Belo Monte UHVDC Transmission Project, which will transport hydropower resources in the northern part of Brazil directly to the load center in the country's southeast region.

As a critical project for POWERCHINA and Brazil, the UHVDA transmission line required strategic planning and execution. Carefully minding environmental protection requirements, project coordinators launched heightened towers along the route.

In addition to boosting Brazil's power industry, the project's builders also bettered the region by repairing some 140 bridges and over 600 roads, measuring about 1,681 kilometers.

However, the successful construction of the project didn't come without its hardships. The SEPC01 Corporation braved unfavorable environment and living conditions, such as the Amazon region's high forest coverage, harsh dry summers and long rainy seasons.

Despite such difficulties, the project obtained a passing environmental impact assessment and an authorized construction permit on Jan 4, 2016, so the concrete began pouring on April 25 of the same year.

From Oct 5 to 22, it took only 17 days to meticulously check all the details, which ensured the owner's approval and pushed the construction nine days ahead of schedule.

The owner sent them a congratulations letter, recognizing their impressive coordination skills and strong execution capability.

Joining the world's short list of UHVDA transmission lines at number four, the project is a milestone for the two countries' partnership in the power industry.