The Amazon transmission technological challenge

The Brazilian power system consists of two interconnected systems. As power resources near the country´s major load centers become exhausted, the transmission system will enlarge its interconnection as part of the long range expansion strategy. The energy resources to be exploited in the near future are located in the Northern region (Amazon basin), where there is great hydroelectric power potential. The authors examine the project set up to enable the transmission of power from this region and consider the characteristics of the Brazilian power network, the environment impacts of each technology, capacity of the Brazilian and foreign industry to manufacture the equipment required for each technology and other strategic factors for their country.