Alstom delivers Made in China HVDC converter transformers to worlds longest power transmission line

A 23,000 km journey from China to Brazil

Two of the transformers manufactured by Alstom Grids Wuhan factory (China) in the frame of Brazils Rio Madeira transmission line contract have arrived at the Porto Velho substation in north-west Brazil. The total journey of the transformers from Wuhan to Porto Velho took around 70 days with stops in Shanghai (China), Manaus (Brazil) and Porto Velho.

Alstom Grids Wuhan transformer factory successfully tested the four 600 kV DC converter transformers destined for the Brazilian Rio Madeira project[1] in October 2012. The dielectric and performance tests are designed to respectively verify the insulation operating under high voltage stress and prove the electrical parameters of transformers. All these tests showed that the transformers perform in line with or exceed design specification.

The Rio Madeira project represents a significant challenge due to the complexity of technologies at high voltage levels, up to 600 kV. In all, Alstom will supply 28 transformers from its world class testing and manufacturing sites in Stafford (UK), Canoas (Brazil) and Wuhan (China). The transformers from Wuhan are the first ever produced by a China-based manufacturer for an export customer. Six further transformers produced by the Canoas site are currently being transported to substations in Porto Velho and Araraquara.

The Rio Madeira project is a very important UHVDC project for Alstom Grid, representing a major technological step forward as Alstom proves its leadership in the converter transformer business. Our China industrial base proves itself ready to take up new worldwide challenges.  said Maurice Dres, Alstom Grid Vice-President for the China Region.

Built in 2009, Alstom Grid Wuhan power transformer factory is a keystone in the companys dynamics in China. After just one year, the factory designed, built and successfully tested an 800 kV DC prototype whose design has now been used for the Rio Madeira project.

About Alstom

Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world, provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind, and it offers a wide range of solutions for power transmission, with a focus on smart grids. The Group employs 92,000 people in around 100 countries. It had sales of 20 billion and booked close to 22 billion in orders in 2011/12.

Alstom Grid has 130 years of expertise in electrical grids. Whether for utilities or electro-intensive industries or facilitating the trading of energy, Alstom Grid brings power to its customers projects. Alstom Grid ranks among the top 3 in electrical transmission sector with an annual sales turnover of more than 4 billion. It has 19,000 employees and around 90 manufacturing and engineering sites worldwide. At the heart of the development of Smart Grid, Alstom Grid offers products, services and integrated energy management solutions across the full energy value chainfrom power generation, through transmission and distribution grids and to the large end user.

Press Contacts 
Nathalie Bourotte (Alstom Grid) - Tel: +33 1 49 01 62 17 - nathalie.bourotte @alstom.com
Jenny Zhang (Alstom China) - Tel: +8610-84609196 - jenny-y.zhang@alstom.com

Website www.alstom.com/grid

[1] In September 2009, Alstom was awarded an order worth approximately USD 400 million for twenty-eight 600 KVDC converter transformers, for the Rio Madeira project, a 2,375 kilometres HVDC power transmission line from the Northwest to the Southeast of Brazil. The project will be delivered for commercial operation mid-2013.