Hitachi Energy, which has operated in Brazil for over 70 years, has reached a new milestone with the production and delivery of the largest set of transformers ever manufactured in the country. Built using HVDC technology and involving highly complex transport logistics, the equipment connects to an energy infrastructure optimised for long-distance, high-efficiency power transmission.
The equipment is destined for an HVDC interconnection project in Saudi Arabia, one of the most innovative and technologically advanced energy infrastructure initiatives in the world. The transformers are expected to be fully delivered by September 2026, with the HVDC system scheduled to enter operation in 2027.
Manufactured at the Guarulhos (São Paulo) facility, the 14 transformers that make up the set incorporate advanced Asymmetric Light HVDC technology. The technology enables more compact and sustainable installations by reducing space requirements and environmental impact. Designed to operate for over 30 years under varying climatic conditions, the transformers stand out for their robustness. Each unit delivers 580 MVA of power at 380 kV, weighs 342 tonnes during transport, and exceeds 512 tonnes once fully installed. Upon completion, the HVDC system will have a total transmission capacity of up to 9 gigawatts (GW).
The complexity of the project required auditing and certification by Saudi technical teams, which verified the technical capability, infrastructure, and quality standards of the Brazilian operation. Local production not only reinforces national engineering expertise but also enhances the global visibility of the Guarulhos facility within the Hitachi Energy group.
Leadership View
Transporting the transformers is a large-scale operation that has attracted significant attention in the Brazilian media. The units are transported by road from Guarulhos to the Port of Itajaí (RJ), with logistics involving meticulous planning and controlled speeds due to the sensitivity of the equipment.
“The transportation is carried out at a low average speed because, although the load is extremely robust, it is also quite fragile. It cannot withstand sudden acceleration or braking. In addition, the tractors must be synchronised to ensure there is no overload on any single motor,” said Alexandre Malveiro, Hub Manager for Latin America at Hitachi Energy’s Transformers Business Unit.
The equipment plays a central role in high-voltage transmission systems, enabling clean energy to be transmitted over long distances with high efficiency.
“It is a key component in high-voltage transmission systems that conditions electrical energy for long-distance transmission. While it does not directly convert current, it supports the electronic devices responsible for conversion. Hitachi Energy reinforces the prominence of Brazilian industry and engineering in a global venture that represents one of the most important initiatives for the expansion and modernisation of energy networks, aligned with the new era of electricity,” Malveiro concluded.
