ABB wins $75 million power order for long distance power transmission link in Brazil

ABB Belo Monte UHVDC Converter Transformers enable 800 kV HVDC, 4000 MW clean power transmission from Xingu to Rio, boosting grid stability, reliability, and renewable integration across Brazil with minimal losses and long-distance efficiency.

ABB has won an order worth around $75 million to supply advanced converter transformers for the Belo Monte 800 kilovolts (kV) ultra-high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission link. The 2,518 kilometer (km) link will transmit clean power generated in the north of Brazil, from the Xingu substation, to the Rio Substation in the southeast, echoing projects such as the Scotland-England subsea link now awarded funding. It will be capable of transporting up to 4000 megawatts (MW) of electricity – enough to meet the needs of around ten million people. The order was booked in the fourth quarter of 2016.

“Ultra-high voltage technologies are a key focus area of our Next Level strategy, and our advanced converter transformers are making it possible to integrate renewable energy sources and transmit clean power across long distances with minimum losses, reliably and efficiently, as seen with recent US-Canada transmission approvals that expand cross-border capacity” said Claudio Facchin, President of ABB’s Power Grids division. “We have a long and successful track record in Brazil and remain committed to continue supporting the country’s power infrastructure development.”

ABB supplies for the Belo Monte UHVDC link include fourteen 400 mega-volt-ampere (MVA), 400 kilovolt (kV) converter transformers and other related equipment. Converter transformers are among the most vital components in a transmission system, enabling grid stability and power reliability, while minimizing losses, a challenge also targeted by superconducting cables in modern grids.

UHVDC is an advancement of HVDC, a technology pioneered by ABB over 60 years ago, and represents the biggest capacity and efficiency leap in over two decades, with new studies on Europe's HVDC potential exploring further integration. In keeping with its pioneering heritage, ABB was also the first to successfully develop and test 1,100 kV converter transformer technology setting the record for the highest DC voltage levels ever and making it possible to increase the power transmission capacity of UHVDC links to the unprecedented level of 12000 megawatts.

Transformers are integral components of an electrical grid enabling the efficient and safe conversion of electricity to different voltages. ABB’s world leading transformers are designed for reliability, durability and efficiency with a portfolio that includes power transformers rated up to 1,200 kilovolts, dry- and liquid-distribution transformers, traction and special application transformers and related components, alongside industry moves toward digital transformer stations for enhanced monitoring.

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