High-Voltage Transmission Tower

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Transmission towers are large metal structures that support high-voltage power lines. They are essential for transporting electricity from power plants to consumer centers, often hundreds or thousands of kilometers away.
Transmission Towers of the Santo Antônio Plant
The Santo Antônio Hydroelectric Plant is one of the largest in Brazil, with an installed capacity exceeding 3,500 megawatts (MW). To distribute all this energy, high-voltage transmission lines were built and connected to the national power grid.
Main features:

Operating voltage: The lines from the plant operate at high or ultra-high voltage, often at 230 kV, 500 kV, or 600 kV, and even ±600 kV in direct current (HVDC), depending on the segment.

HVDC technology: One of the lines transporting energy from the North to Southeast Brazil is the Madeira Transmission Line, which uses HVDC. This technology allows long-distance energy transmission with lower losses.

Tower structure: Generally made of galvanized steel, with shapes that vary depending on terrain and function (suspension, anchoring, etc.). They can reach heights of 30 to 60 meters.
Importance of the Santo Antônio Plant lines:

National integration: The lines connect the North to the Southeast, helping balance the National Interconnected System (SIN).

Energy efficiency: HVDC reduces losses and increases transmission capacity.

Controlled environmental impact: Although they cover large areas, studies were conducted to minimize environmental impacts in forest and community crossing areas.
Example: Madeira Transmission Line
One of the main projects associated with the plant is the "Madeira Transmission Line", which stretches about 3,450 km, delivering energy from Santo Antônio and Jirau (another plant on the Madeira River) to Araraquara (SP).