The visit allowed for the validation of designs, strengthened collaboration with the state-owned China XD Group, and advanced critical technical milestones for the project that will operate Chile’s first HVDC line.
With the aim of reviewing and validating key technical components for the construction of the two converter substations for the Kimal–Lo Aguirre transmission project, the engineering team traveled to China to conduct a technical visit to the facilities of XD Electric, a subsidiary of the state-owned China XD Group.
The company, China’s leading manufacturer of electrical and transmission equipment, has more than 60 years of experience and a presence in more than 80 countries, in addition to participating in flagship HVDC and ultra-high voltage transmission line projects worldwide.
“XD Electric is one of the world’s leading companies in HVDC and ultra-high voltage technology. This experience allowed us to work on-site with the manufacturer to resolve critical technical issues. It was a crucial moment, both for the quality of the exchange and for the high level of expertise required to move forward with a project as challenging as Kimal–Lo Aguirre,” said Mauricio Restrepo, EECC Engineering and Construction Manager for the project.
Technical validation and specialized coordination
During the visit, the Chilean team participated in a detailed review of equipment such as converter transformers, systems to improve voltage stability and quality, direct current switches, wall bushings for the connection between valve rooms and direct current yards, and valve cooling systems, among others.
The event included the finalization of plans, review of civil designs, and seismic evaluations of the equipment, carried out in close coordination with the group’s technicians, which globally has more than 16,000 employees and 3,000 specialists in 60 offices and research centers.
“This supplier stands out not only for its industrial capacity and experience in HVDC technology, but also for its strategic role in the project: the specialized manufacturing, carried out in conjunction with China Southern Power Grid, incorporates the required technical and seismic criteria from the outset. Each piece of equipment undergoes quality testing at the source in accordance with international standards, which reinforces the operational reliability and efficiency of the substations once they are in service,” added Restrepo.
Strategic infrastructure for the energy transition
All the equipment reviewed will be integrated into the Kimal and Lo Aguirre converter substations, which will be the operational hub of the country’s first HVDC line.
This infrastructure, which will extend over 1,346 kilometers between María Elena (Antofagasta Region) and Pudahuel (Metropolitan Region), will enable the transport of 3,000 MW of renewable energy from northern to central Chile, contributing to a more stable electricity system and the decarbonization of the national energy matrix.
