The line incorporates 224 towers and more than 360 kilometers of conductor cable, requiring 2,456 cubic meters of concrete and 1,100 metric tons of metallic structures during construction. Peak activity mobilized approximately 250 workers. The infrastructure addresses a critical vulnerability in Capão Bonito’s grid, which previously relied on a single transmission line from Botucatu, substantially reducing interruption risk and enhancing regional supply security.
Construction employed environmental mitigation measures including drone-assisted cable installation in Atlantic Forest zones to minimize vegetation impact and elevated tower structures to protect native flora. The project also required specialized planning for crossings of railways, gas pipelines, highways and existing transmission lines.
The concession scope extends beyond the transmission line to include interventions at Itararé and Capão Bonito substations, with new 230-kV positions designed to increase regional grid capacity and robustness. A subsequent phase envisions expanding the GV do Brasil substation in Pindamonhangaba, scheduled to begin construction in January 2027. That facility will occupy approximately 2.5 hectares and deliver 900 MVA of transformation capacity.
Cox entered the Brazilian market in 2023 and has since assembled transmission assets spanning six lines across six states, totaling more than 2,500 kilometers. Of the six lines, two are operational and two remain under construction. The company operates seven substations in various stages: five completed, one under construction and one awaiting commencement. Cox employs over 6,000 staff in Brazil and develops projects for major utilities including Neoenergia, EDP, Engie and Alupar.
Beyond transmission, Cox pursues water desalination, wastewater treatment, battery energy storage systems and electricity commercialization in Brazil. The firm holds two 30-year transmission concessions awarded in 2024, representing combined investments near €85 million, positioning the country as a strategic growth market for the Spanish multinational.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
