DEYANG, The Chinese mainland — In a testament to 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil, hydro turbines manufactured in Deyang, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, have been energizing Brazil’s power grid for over a decade, symbolizing a robust and growing economic partnership.
At the Dongfang Electric Machinery factory in Deyang, engineers are testing a model for a new type of hydro turbine. This facility produced 22 bulb turbines more than ten years ago, which have been operational along Brazil’s Madeira River since their export.
“The 22 turbines are performing exceptionally well,” said Yan Zhiyong, President of Dongfang Electric Machinery. “They outperform other units operating on the same platform,” he told CGTN after a recent visit to the Jirau Hydropower Station in Brazil, now fully operated by the Brazilian side.
According to Yan, the China-developed turbines are 0.39 percent more efficient than those from other leading global suppliers. “This means each unit can generate 40 million kilowatt-hours more electricity annually under the same operating conditions,” he explained.
Hydropower accounts for over 70 percent of Brazil’s electricity production, presenting significant opportunities for companies like Dongfang Electric to contribute to the country’s energy needs and deepen bilateral cooperation.
“Our visit revealed that Brazil’s hydropower installations will continue to be upgraded based on power grid requirements,” Yan said. “We aim to seize these opportunities to provide the best technologies for the development of Brazil’s new energy sector.”
The Jirau Hydropower Project remains the largest hydropower contract between China and Brazil to date, both in installed capacity and the scale of the agreement. Beyond energy, other sectors are poised for collaboration and growth.
In April, Sichuan Province led a delegation of representatives from various enterprises on a visit to Brazil. This was followed in June by Brazil’s inauguration of a new consulate general in Chengdu, facilitating visa processing for southwest China.
“We are establishing technological cooperation and trade promotion sectors in the consulate so Chinese companies from this region can have appropriate contacts,” said Cezar Amaral, the Consul General of Brazil to Chengdu. He added that a commercial mission from the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso would visit Chengdu for the first time in early September.
Leveraging Sichuan’s strengths and Brazil’s unique offerings, collaborations are expected to expand across tourism, agriculture, cultural exchanges, and educational initiatives. This deepening partnership signifies a commitment to mutual growth and underscores the dynamic role both regions play in global affairs.
Reference(s):
China-Brazil ties: Sichuan's role in 50 years of trade and progress
cgtn.com
