Transmission and Distribution: AREVA awarded US$ 400 million contract in Brazil for world’s longest HVDC transmission link

AREVA’s Transmission and Distribution (T&D) division has been awarded an order worth approximately US$ 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 hydro-electric complex is comprised of two power plants, with total power capacity of 6300 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.

"This new contract reinforces AREVA T&D’s position as a market leader in the global HVDC segment. It follows on from successful delivery of the HVDC inter-connection between the Uruguayan and Brazilian networks and various other projects worldwide. Our local and international teams are fully committed to the further development of Brazil’s electricity network and are proud to be selected for this significant project," said Philippe Guillemot, Chairman and CEO of AREVA T&D.

* IEMadeira (Interligação Elétrica do Madeira) is a Special Purpose Company controlled by CTEEP – Companhia de Transmissão de Energia Elétrica Paulista, a private transmission company, owned by FURNAS Centrais Elétricas and Companhia Hidro Elétrica do São Francisco - CHESF, both state-owned transmission companies.