GE Fortifies Brazilian Grid; 297-Kilometer Transmission Project to Deliver Reliable Power to Brazil's Growth Regions


GE to Provide Grid Modernization Solutions to Furnas, One of Brazil's Leading Utilities

Protection and Control Technology Helps Identify Faults Faster, Minimizing Outages



GE Makes Debut in ANEEL Transmission Auctions with Triangulo Mineiro Transmissora Project, Reinforcing Its Presence in Brazil



SAO PAULO, BRAZIL — Manufacturing growth in Brazil, coupled with fluctuating temperatures, has contributed to a surge of electricity consumption and demand. As a result, transmission line and maintenance issues are more frequent than ever before. Responding to these growing challenges, GE's Digital Energy business (NYSE: GE) is providing Furnas and Triangulo Mineiro Transmissora (TMT)/Geoenergia with the latest in protection and control equipment to ensure high-efficiency performance and quality for each of the utility's grid modernization projects.



Furnas is one of the biggest utilities in Latin America and is responsible for power transmission in south, southeast and mid west Brazil.



These projects, which support the modernization of Brazil's grid, mark GE's inaugural entry into Brazil's ANEEL transmission auctions. The auctions were won in December 2013 by TMT—a collaborative utility composed of Furnas and FIP Milão, with Furnas being the largest participant at 49 percent. TMT is leading the construction and installation of the new transmission line.



GE's Digital Energy business will support the project by providing protection, control and communications systems, offering the latest in grid modernization technology. The project includes engineering, configuration, panels and factory and site-acceptance tests, as well as training for substation engineers to ensure reliable operation.



Transmission line auctions are key to the future of Brazil's utility sector, with utilities looking for innovative solutions to modernize their grids and to ensure that efficient, reliable power can be delivered to metro areas. Together with leading Brazilian utilities such as Furnas, GE is helping address a variety of energy challenges that may affect Brazil's electrical network.



"By combining the expertise of both GE and TMT, we are helping Brazil's utility sector improve the reliability of the grid and transport more reliable power to fast growth regions. To help meet Brazil's future energy needs, GE is providing its full range of solutions—from commissioning to installation to retroactive services—to ensure Brazilian utilities are positioned to meet their energy goals," said Ricardo van Erven, general manager, Latin America, GE's Digital Energy business.



In addition, GE is providing protection, control and communications solutions for the reactive compensation system, transmission lines, connections, feeders, measurements, protection and control panels, level 2 HMI/SCADA systems and automation solutions for the new 297-kilometer, 500-kilovolt transmission line being built from the Marimbondo II substation in Minas Gerais to the Assis substation in São Paulo.



GE's Digital Energy business also is providing protection and control systems to improve the functionality of another Furnas transmission line. GE will provide its B90 bus differential system for the utility's 230-kilovolt Cachoeira Dourada substation located in São Paulo and its 138-kilovolt Poços de Caldas substation located in Minas Gerais. GE also will provide the equipment for Furnas' 765-kilovolt reactors and 765-, 500- and 69-kilovolt transformers at its Ivaipora substation in São Paulo and its Itabera substation in Minas Gerais. These substations facilitate the highest AC voltage in Brazil.



"This collaboration with Furnas brings together a mix of the utility's local market knowledge and our technical expertise to provide the solutions needed to modernize Brazil's electric grid," van Erven continued.



GE's Digital Energy business is a global leader in transmission and distribution solutions that manage and move power from the power plant to the consumer. Its products and services increase the reliability of electrical power networks and critical equipment for utility, industrial and large commercial customers. From protecting and optimizing assets such as generators, transmission lines and motors, to delivering analytic tools to help manage the power grid, GE's Digital Energy business delivers industry-leading technologies to solve the unique challenges of each customer. For more information, visit http://www.gedigitalenergy.com/.



About GE



GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.



Follow GE's Digital Energy business on Twitter @GEModernGrid.

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