This is the fourth and penultimate segment of the project acquired by the company in Lot 4 of the auction held by Aneel in April 2017.

Neoenergia energized the fourth segment of one of its transmission projects with the largest extension, in Mato Grosso do Sul. 15 months ahead of the contractual deadline set by the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel), the company completed the installation of the 230 kV voltage line between the Imbirussu and Campo Grande 2 substations. Adding the new segment, 413 of the 578 kilometers planned in the Dourados project have already been delivered, which was awarded in lot 4 of auction 005/2016, held by the regulator in April 2017. The first three stages were inaugurated in the second half of last year, up to two years ahead of schedule by Aneel.

"The advancement of this important project demonstrates Neoenergia's commitment to contribute to the strengthening of the Brazilian electricity system and ensure the expected return rates to our investors. We inaugurated the first segment almost 25 months ahead of schedule and we have good perspectives to conclude the entire transmission line more than a year ahead of schedule", says Neoenergia's Director of Transmission, Fabiano Uchoas.

The new segment was energized after the company received the operating license issued by the Environmental Institute of Mato Grosso do Sul (Imasul), (Instituto de Meio Ambiente de Mato Grosso do Sul, in Portuguese). Besides the implementation of the transmission line, with 132 towers spread over approximately 52 kilometers, the Imbirussu substation was expanded.

The construction of the transmission line aims to reinforce the system in Mato Grosso do Sul, improving reliability and helping in the exchange of energy between the Southeast/Midwest and South regions. The first segment started operating in July 2020, with 147 kilometers between the substations Nova Porto Primavera (SP) and Rio Brilhante (MS), including two towers erected in the crossing of the Paraná River. In December, two more stages were concluded, between the substations Rio Brilhante and Campo Grande, with 149 kilometers, and Nova Porto Primavera and Ivinhema (MS), with 65 kilometers.

Considering the four segments already operational, the project currently registers the delivery of 61% of the forecasted RAP (Allowed Annual Revenue) and 66% of the total lines of the Lot, reinforcing Neoenergia's commitment with the progress of its projects - Aneel's forecast for the beginning of the operation was only in August 2022. Currently, the last 166 kilometers of lines are in the final stage of construction, with voltage at 230 kV.

Aiming at the health of all those directly and indirectly involved in the enterprise, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Neoenergia has adopted a strict safety protocol, with the mandatory use of masks, distancing between professionals, and testing. In addition, it has invested in technology, such as, for example, the use of drones in inspections required in the environmental licensing process and in the launching of conductor cables, especially in the various crossings along the route. "We bet on innovation and the use of technology to overcome the difficulties imposed by the pandemic we have experienced since 2020 and accelerate the pace of construction safely, contributing to the sustainable development of the energy market and generating jobs", says the project implementation manager, Lucas Aquino Souza.

The company also innovated in initiatives that benefit the environment, with the creation of an unprecedented solution, recognized by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama): the construction of stowage of eucalyptus wood (untreated) to access the transmission towers, avoiding the landfill of flooded areas and thus contributing to the conservation of biodiversity and the local landscape. The Dourados project has promoted the generation of approximately 800 jobs until April 2021.