The Brazilian Power System and the challenge of the Amazon transmission

The Brazilian energy resources to be exploited in the near future are located in the Northern region (Amazon basin), where there is a great hydroelectric potential. Major power markets on the other hand are expected to be in the southeastern and northeastern regions. The distances between these Amazon hydro power plants and the load centers range from 2000 to 2800 km. Therefore, a great challenge will have to be faced in the future, namely the transmission of large amounts of energy from very remote sources. The main aspects of the Brazilian Power System and the factors which are being taken into consideration in the definition of the main characteristics of these transmission lines are presented.<>