Brazil, Bahia: WEG has supplied a comprehensive package of electrical equipment and engineering services for the UFV Irecê Phase 1 solar photovoltaic complex in Bahia, northeastern Brazil, ensuring efficient grid connection and reliable operation of the 161 MWp facility.
At the core of WEG’s contribution is a three-phase step-up transformer rated at 160 MVA (34.5 / 138 kV), installed at both the Uberlândia 138 kV collector/step-up substation in João Dourado (BA) and the 138 kV connection bay of the Irecê CHESF substation in Irecê (BA).
The transformer features a major technological innovation – two merging units that digitise all analog and digital signals, replacing traditional control cables with optical fibre. This design ensures:
- Faster design and implementation processes;
- Reduced costs for cabling and infrastructure;
- Easier future expansions and modifications;
- Increased reliability and monitoring redundancy;
- Greater data availability for supervision and control.
Beyond the transformer, WEG supplied all yard equipment for both substations, including disconnect switches, potential and current transformers, surge arresters, as well as the protection and control system, detailed engineering, and supervision and commissioning services.
These systems enable the solar plant’s generated voltage to be stepped up to transmission levels, ensuring efficiency, stability, and reliability in delivering renewable energy to Brazil’s National Interconnected System (SIN).
The UFV Irecê Phase 1 project, developed by a joint venture between Illian Energias Renováveis (of the Electra Group), Acelen, and Perfin Infra, represents a key step in Brazil’s energy transition. The solar complex will supply power to the Mataripe Refinery under a self-production model, helping to avoid around 128,000 t of CO₂ emissions annually.
The project also contributes to regional development, generating more than 500 jobs during construction and supporting long-term energy diversification and cost reduction goals.
Source: WEG
