19-21 June 2000

Growing demand for cross-border links in deregulated markets

ABB has won a US$ 250-million order to build the second phase of a power transmission system connecting power networks in Argentina and Brazil.

The contract, which follows an order for the first phase of the project in 1998, was awarded by Companhia de Interligacão (CIEN), Brazil. CIEN is a company of the Spanish ENDESA Group. The link is scheduled to be in commercial operation at the beginning of 2002. The first phase of 1000 MW is already in operation.

Under the terms of the contract, ABB will build a 1000-megawatt power transmission link to interconnect Argentina and Brazil. The transmission link goes from the Rincón de Santa Maria substation adjoining the Yaciretá generating station, in Argentina, to the substation at Itá in Brazil. The Argentinean system is 50 Hz, while that of Brazil is 60 Hz, requiring a frequency converter, which is located in Brazil, on the border to Argentina. ABB will also expand three 500-kilovolt substations associated with the first phase and also integrate the two projects.

The project reflects the growing demand for regional power interconnections in the deregulated markets of Latin America. The cross-border link permits Argentina and Brazil to use their electricity resources more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Original Press Release at ABB.com