Brazil’s fast growing economy and population, along with major events such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games, has led to a significant increase in electricity consumption that continues to grow. Electrical stability remains as the main challenge of the fast growing Brazilian grid.

GE’s Power Conversion business is addressing this challenge by providing a state-of-the-art Static Var Compensator (SVC) to São Pedro Transmisora de Energia and Engeglobal Construções, important players in the expansion and modernization of the national grid of Brazil.

The SVC is a fast acting dynamic compensation systems that will control the voltage of a long transmission line to ensure grid stability. Its core component is the thyristor valve, which regulates the reactive power output of the SVC, a proven technology that can substantially increase the quality and efficiency of the grid operation by lowering grid disruptions due to heavy-duty reactive loads. Further components of the SVC include a high voltage / medium voltage transformer, MV switchboard, filters, secondary distribution equipment and a PECe control system. The SVC will be installed in the Eliseu Martins substation in the state of Piaui, north-east Brasil.

“The project is a major milestone in our support for the growing Brazilian economy and in helping to meet Brazil’s future energy needs”, says Eric Moutaux, Sales Director Power Quality. “After serving the Brazilian industry with SVCs for many years, we are now applying our expertise to support the massive expansion of the Brazilian energy infrastructure, broadening our offer to high voltage transmission grid.”

“Proven reliability was one of the key requirements in the consortium’s selection process,” states Robério Garcia, CEO of Engeglobal. “We value GE’s strong heritage in static var compensation. GE’s technology meets all our requirements at a competitive price that is enabled through GE’s strong presence in Brazil. Maximizing the local content will allow us to achieve an earlier return on investment.”

In addition to ensuring grid stability, GE is also engaged in optimizing performance and power quality of the Brazilian grid. GE’s Digital Energy business is delivering the latest in protection and control equipment for each of the utility’s modernization projects.