China-developed power project secures reliable energy in the Amazon

A groundbreaking infrastructure project developed by Chinese state-owned engineering and construction company PowerChina is expected to ensure the power supply to Brazil's Amazon region, highlighting economic ties between China and Brazil in the energy sector.

Power supplies in the region can often be disrupted by unpredictable weather, a challenging environment, and long transmission distances.

The EDP power transmission and transformation project, undertaken by Chinese company SEPCO1, a subsidiary of PowerChina, aims to overcome these difficulties.

"This transmission line will bring comfort and dignity. It will give people the opportunity to own a freezer, access the internet, and meet other needs that depend on electricity. It will benefit everyone here," said Ildivany De Brito Basto, a resident.

In addition to ensuring energy supplies, the project will also help advance local economic growth.

"The transmission line passing through our city is really important. It's brought a lot of benefits, like creating jobs and boosting the local economy, especially in areas like hotels, food services and construction," said Rodrigo Coelho De Sousa, another resident.

Since the Amazon region is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, the infrastructure project is prioritizing environmental protection, according to the management team behind the development.

"The Amazon region is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. It's home to many rare and endangered species, so protecting the environment here is absolutely crucial. During the planning and construction, we made sure to respect indigenous land rights and strictly follow local laws. Our team focused on things like managing the routes of transmission lines, controlling deforestation, cleaning up oil spills, and preventing soil erosion. This is all to protect the environment and support sustainable development," said Qi Bo, program manager of Brazil EDP Power Transmission and Transformation Project.

The construction of the project started in July 2021, and it is expected to be electrified soon as it's coming to the final adjustment phase.

China-developed power project secures reliable energy in the Amazon

China's second homegrown cruise ship, the Adora Flora City, successfully floated out in Shanghai on Saturday after dock flooding, according to China State Shipbuilding Cooperation.

After three rounds of safety inspections, the cruise ship began its undocking procedures on Saturday.

After being floated, the vessel was shifted to a fore dock chamber to conduct an inclining test, a key step used to measure the ship's weight and center of gravity, which are critical for stability and passenger comfort.

The undocking process is expected to last seven days. During this period, the ship will also undergo lifeboat release tests and maneuvering trials inside the dock to verify the performance of its 18 large lifeboats and two rescue boats under both normal and emergency conditions.

The cruise ship is scheduled to officially leave the dock next Friday, after which it will enter the stage of system commissioning and complete interior construction. Sea trials are planned for late May.

The ship was built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. under China State Shipbuilding Cooperation.

The delivery of the cruise ship is expected before the end of the year.

China's 2nd homegrown cruise ship floats out, about to undock