BRAZIL – Companhia Hidro Elétrica do São Francisco (Chesf) has commissioned GE Renewable Energy's Grid Solutions division to provide new equipment for six substations.

GE Grid Solutions has signed its largest network modernization services contract in Latin America with the Brazilian state-owned Chesf, one of the largest energy companies in the country, GE said in a press release.

Under the contract, GE will carry out the retrofit of six Chesf substations located in the states of Alagoas, Bahia and Pernambuco in northeastern Brazil.

The contract includes the replacement of around 250 circuit breakers and disconnectors, in operation for over 45 years. GE's field engineers will be responsible for providing a strategy for assessing the condition of Chesf's high voltage assets, as well as for planning and prioritizing the retrofit process.

According to Chesf, the replacement of this equipment with voltage levels of 69 kV, 230 kV and 500 kV will provide more reliability to the Company's transmission system. It will also allow millions of people across the country to continue having access to clean and renewable energy, through these facilities that help to transmit energy from hydroelectric plants and wind farms located in the Northeast to the National Interconnected System (SIN).

“We are pleased to support Chesf in its commitment to modernize its transmission system in this region. Our newest technologies and solutions will help provide the Company with more operational flexibility and greater competitiveness,” said Alexandre Ferrari, GE Grid Solutions Commercial Leader for Latin America.

The deal was closed through a public bidding in the first quarter of 2021. In addition to equipment replacement, GE will provide training to Chesf technicians and provide spare parts kits for each type of equipment, the manufacturer said in a press release.

The entire retrofit process, including additional activities, is expected to be completed in 2025.

Source: GE