GE Supports Brazil's Environmental Sustainability with Grid Transformer Technology that Replaces Mineral Oil with Vegetable Oil

GE Renewable Energy's Grid Solutions business (NYSE: GE), has signed an agreement with major Brazilian utility company Engie Brasil to expand the company's Campo Largo II wind farm substation.  To support the environmental sustainability of the Campo Largo complex, located in Sento Sé in the northern state of Bahia, GE will deliver two 200.000 kVA and 230 kV power transformers that use vegetable oil as an insulating medium and refrigerant in place of mineral oil. 

Considered as one of the largest equipment of its kind in South America, this transformer technology supplied by GE provides for a greener operation through its use of non-toxic and 99% biodegradable vegetable oil. Another important benefit of vegetable oil is that it is not flammable, reducing the risk of fire and the associated need for preventive measures.

"GE offers a real differentiator up to 500 kV with this type of innovative grid solution for transmission and generation projects. Moreover, it reinforces our commitment to environmental sustainability and safety to support initiatives underway in Brazil. This technology could widely replace the mineral oil of fossil origin as well as help foster other areas of the economy such as agriculture," said Cesar Picazio, GE's Commercial Director of Transformers for GE's Grid Solutions business in Latin America. 

In addition to the delivery of transformers and high voltage equipment- such as circuit breakers, switches, measuring transformers, and disconnect switches-the contract with Engie also awards GE the responsibility for engineering, electromechanical assembly, civil works, materials supply, automation, and all substation commissioning.

"We are pleased with our decision to contract equipment for this project from GE. This reinforces our confidence in GE's ability to perform on projects such as Campo Largo that generate clean and reliable energy for the interconnected national energy system (SIN). In addition to these aspects, the fact that the transformer offered utilizes vegetable oil contributes to the project's sustainability and is aligned with ENGIE's contracting trends with its suppliers," said Eduardo Sattamini, CEO of ENGIE Brasil Energia.

The Campo Largo II Wind Farm is the second stage of Engie's Campo Largo project. The second phase corresponds to 361.2 MW of installed capacity, divided between 86 4.2 MW wind turbines distributed on 11 wind farms. The first phase of the project, Campo Largo I, has 326.7 MW of installed capacity divided between 121 2.7 MW wind turbines distributed on 11 wind farms.

GE Renewable Energy Grid Solutions | www.gegridsolutions.com