A new 500MW back - to - back station to provide power exchange between Uruguay and Brazil

The transmission system operator in Uruguay (UTE) has contracted ALSTOM Grid to build a 500MW inter-connector with Brazil. As the 500kV transmission system in Uruguay operates at 50Hz and the Brazilian 525kV transmission system operates at 60Hz, HVDC becomes the most appropriate technology to inter-connect the two grids. This paper provides details of the design of the new 500MW HVDC back to back inter-connector which will be located at the Melo sub-station. When constructed, the interconnector will alleviate short term generation issues, by providing a strategic link to the large Brazilian energy market.