As the world transitions towards a cleaner, sustainable energy future, South America is in the lead. The region has unique natural resources that promote the production of clean energy. It also relies on hydropower and ambitious climate commitments to transition to a low-carbon economy. Countries like Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay are deriving most of their electricity from hydropower, wind, and solar energy. For instance, Brazil is a leader in biofuels and generates 80% of its electricity from renewable sources. The country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. Chile is also decommissioning coal-fired power plants, investing in green hydrogen production, and increasing wind and solar energy capacity. Other countries like Argentina, Colombia, and Peru are also focusing on decarbonization efforts. ACSR cables enable the efficient and reliable transmission of electricity generated from renewable energy.
ACSR cables provide excellent electrical conductivity, reducing energy losses during transmission. This is important for maximizing the use of renewable energy over long-distances. Aluminum conductor steel-reinforced (ACSR) cables provide mechanical strength. This enables them to withstand environmental conditions. This ensures the reliability of the power grid even in remote areas. The cables ensure the efficient and reliable transmission of electricity from renewable energy sources. This is by supporting the infrastructure needed for energy transition. This article highlights the objectives of South American countries for energy decarbonization. It also looks at the roles of ACSR cables in the infrastructure needed for decarbonization.
The roles of ACSR cables in decarbonization goals in South America
ACSR cables are high-capacity, high-strength conductors used to transmit electrical energy over long distances. The cables serve in regions with rugged terrain, long distances, and harsh weather conditions, like in South America. Countries like Chile, Brazil, and Argentina are using the cables in the expansion of the power transmission networks. The cables also allow the integration of renewable energy sources into the main grid. The following are the functions of ACSR cables in the decarbonization efforts in South America.
- Renewable energy integration—renewable energy sources are in remote areas like the Atacama Desert in Chile or Patagonia wind in Argentina. ACSR cables enable long-distance transmission of clean energy from the remote areas to industrial areas. They have high strength and capacity to reduce the need for immediate support structures.
- Reducing transmission losses—power transmission over long distances can lead to energy losses. ACSR cables with high conductivity and low resistance help to reduce power losses.
- Modernizing the power grid—outdated infrastructure in South America leads to power outages, grid instability, and inefficiencies in energy distribution. Replacement of the old conductors with modern ACSR cables increases grid capacity.
- Decentralized energy systems—ACSR cables can connect decentralized renewable energy generation sites to the main grid. This allows smaller-scale renewable energy producers to feed power into the system.
- Reduced deforestation linked to power infrastructure—ACSR cables with higher tensile strength allow longer spans between towers. This reduces the amount of forest cleared for power line construction.
- Grid interconnection across borders—ACSR cables enable the construction of cross-border transmission lines. This eases energy trade between countries and balances supply and demand.
Objectives of decarbonization efforts in South America
Decarbonization efforts in South America are driven by the need to mitigate climate change, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and meet the Paris Agreement commitments. The dependence on natural resources provides a unique position in the global energy transition. At TTF Power Systems, we support the decarbonization efforts to meet the climate goals. We are a world-class global provider of high quality overhead line hardware, transmission hardware, distribution hardware, conductors, insulators, cutout switches, anchoring and grounding products. Here are the main objectives of South America’s decarbonization efforts.
- Transition to renewable energy sources—the efforts can increase the share of renewable energy in the electricity mix. This can help in reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and strengthen energy security. It can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lead to economic growth.
- Modernize energy transmission systems—the efforts can help in upgrading the power grid to accommodate renewable energy. It can also reduce transmission losses, and ease cross-border energy trade. Installing ACSR cables can help reduce losses and increase the capacity for renewable energy.
- Promote sustainable transportation—this can decarbonize the transport sector by promoting electric vehicles, biofuels, and sustainable public transportation.
- Strengthen climate governance—the region aims to develop and enforce national climate policies. This is including carbon pricing, emission caps, and climate finance mechanisms.
- Encourage a circular economy—the efforts aim to reduce waste, increase recycling, and create circular economies that reduce resource consumption.