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Eletrobras and Hitachi Energy to modernise Rio Madeira line, enhancing grid reliability amid renewable energy expansion

13 Jun 2025

Eletrobras has partnered with Hitachi Energy to modernise one of Brazil’s most important transmission corridors, in a move intended to strengthen the country’s electricity grid and support a growing share of renewable power.

The Rio Madeira transmission line, which stretches more than 2,200km from hydropower plants in the Amazon to Brazil’s southeast industrial region, will be digitally upgraded after more than a decade in operation. The overhaul will include real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance tools, and improved cybersecurity protections.

Eletrobras, Latin America’s largest power utility, said the modernisation was essential to meet rising demands and to ensure stability as solar and wind capacity expand. The company’s collaboration with Hitachi Energy will focus on enhancing operational resilience and reducing outages.

“The upgrade will result in fewer service interruptions, lower operational expenses, and faster responses to fluctuations in grid behaviour,” said Andreas Berthou, Head of HVDC and HVDC Service at Hitachi Energy.

The Rio Madeira line is one of the world’s longest high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission routes, and plays a central role in connecting remote renewable generation to major load centres. The integration of digital systems is expected to increase the grid’s ability to handle intermittent energy sources, such as wind and solar.

Brazil has seen rapid growth in clean energy generation in recent years, with non-hydro renewables accounting for nearly one-fifth of its electricity mix. However, the ageing infrastructure of some long-distance transmission assets has raised concerns over reliability.

The project has been described by observers as a model for modernising Latin America’s energy networks. While the reliance on a single vendor for core technology introduces some operational risk, Eletrobras is positioning itself as a regional leader in grid digitalisation.

The initiative also underscores Brazil’s intention to align infrastructure investments with decarbonisation goals, ahead of rising electricity demand and growing pressure to improve energy security.