Omexom in Brazil Awarded EPCM Contract for LOT 12, A Major Transmission Line Project

The project involves the construction of two 500 kV transmission lines, totaling 391.8 kilometers in length and supported by 752 towers. These lines will run through the Brazilian states of Maranhão and Piauí, with the Graça Aranha substation located midway between them.

Delivered under a turnkey model, the project encompasses all phases of engineering, procurement, and construction. The two transmission lines include the 500 kV Boa Esperança – Graça Aranha Transmission Line, which spans 181.1 kilometers with four conductors per phase, and the 500 kV Teresina IV – Graça Aranha Transmission Line, which covers 210.7 kilometers with six conductors per phase.

These types of infrastructure initiatives are commonly referred to in Brazil as “LOT” projects, short for Lotes de Linhas de Transmissão. They are energy concession projects organized and auctioned by ANEEL (Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica), Brazil’s national electricity regulatory agency.

The contract was officially signed by Omexom in Brazil in July 2025, following a year of negotiations. The project is expected to be completed by February 2029, after 43 months of intensive work. Both transmission lines can be energized simultaneously at the end of the project, depending on the energization of the respective substations, that are not included on Omexom’s scope.

“This is one of the largest transmission line projects Omexom has undertaken in Brazil in recent years, considering the combined length and capacity of the two lines,” said Brigatto Rodrigo, Business Manager at Omexom in Brazil. “While we have worked with Energisa before, those previous transmission lines were shorter when considered individually. For this project, we have leveraged the experience of team members who have delivered similar infrastructure in the past, either with our company or elsewhere in the Brazilian transmission line market. A key success factor for this project will be the sharing of lessons learned by the team, which will be extremely important.”

What distinguishes the two transmission lines is the type and configuration of the towers used. The Boa Esperança – Graça Aranha line is a single-circuit line with four conductors per phase, utilizing lighter cables, and originally includes a total of 326 towers. In contrast, the Teresina IV – Graça Aranha line has six conductors per phase and a total of 426 towers, including 360 guyed towers of the cross-rope type. This type of line has been used in recent years in Brazil due to its higher capacity for transmitting power.

It is anticipated that the project will encounter terrain challenges due to its proximity to the northern Brazilian vegetation. To navigate these environmental complexities, Omexom and Energisa are working closely with environmental analysts to identify sustainable and practical solutions. Additionally, the project will incorporate low-emission construction equipment, reinforcing Omexom’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

“Anticipating actions and planning ahead is essential for large-scale projects like this,” added Lopes Leonardo, Project Coordinator at Omexom in Brazil. “Since we’re managing the project in close collaboration with the client, we have the flexibility to make adjustments whenever something doesn’t align with our initial plans. For now, our primary focus is to study the construction areas in detail.”

Although construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, Omexom plans to mobilize on-site work ahead of schedule. The contracts of procurement are expected to be completed before the start of the field activities, with deliveries scheduled during the works.

By integrating proactive planning, environmental stewardship, and technical excellence, Omexom in Brazil is well-equipped to successfully deliver the LOT 12 project, strengthening Brazil’s energy infrastructure and supporting the nation’s long-term development objectives.