State-run utility State Grid Corporation of China won on Wednesday separate cash bids to build and operate a total of two power transmission lines in Brazil, state-run news agency Xinhua reported.
State Grid Brazil Holding, a local subsidiary of the company, won the rights to the two lines – located in the western region of Mato Grosso – and will pay the Brazilian authorities 395.9 million reais (US$113.1 million) for the privilege.
The Brazilian electricity regulator Aneel on Wednesday offered for auction 24 transmission lines covering 6,500 kilometres. It said the exercise had the potential to raise 12.2 billion reais and create 27,640 jobs. Ultimately 14 of the 24 power lines attracted bidders.
“Given the situation of the Brazilian economy, receiving almost 7 billion reais in infrastructure investments is really very positive,” said José Jurhosa, director of Aneel.
Cai Hongxian, General Manager of State Grid Brazil, was reported last year as saying that the company – present in the Brazilian market since 2010 – would invest 15 billion reais in a five-year period commencing in 2016.