ISA Energia Brasil: FACTS SmartValve project
ISA Energia Brasil is deploying SmartValve Advanced Power Flow Control to relieve constrained 138 kV circuits, use surrounding 440 kV network capacity more effectively, and support future load growth in São Paulo State.
Near-term capacity relief with a relocatable control layer
São Paulo State is managing rising electricity demand and changing power flows. ISA Energia Brasil needed a fast, flexible way to improve capacity and reliability on constrained 138 kV assets.
ISA Energia Brasil selected SmartValve, an Advanced Power Flow Control solution that provides controllable series compensation. The goal is to redirect flows away from constrained 138 kV paths and onto higher-capacity 440 kV circuits, improving use of existing infrastructure under both normal and N-1 conditions.
Phase 1 deploys nine SmartValves across two 138 kV circuits to support an immediate load increase near Ribeirão Preto while a parallel 138 kV line reconstruction is completed. The equipment is installed entirely within existing substations, helping minimize environmental impact.
The project is also designed for future needs. A planned relocation in 2027 will move devices to address a new constraint area, with a future scale-up planned around 2031 as capacity needs continue to grow.
Built for near-term needs
Phase 1 is scheduled within a year of ordering, faster than conventional alternatives.
Relocatable by design
Planned relocation in 2027 keeps the solution aligned with shifting constraints.
Why power flow control matters for the SIN
ISA Energia Brasil describes FACTS as a set of technologies that improve the capacity, stability, and efficiency of AC transmission systems.
Optimizing existing transmission infrastructure
The technology helps redirect energy flows from overloaded circuits toward less utilized paths, creating greater flexibility and stability across the network.
- Helps defer investments in new works by reducing bottlenecks and improving use of the existing system.
- Supports a more flexible grid as additional renewable resources connect to the system.
- Provides a shorter installation timeline with minimal environmental impact.
- Increases supply reliability while providing a competitive alternative to line construction or reconstruction.
FACTS in numbers
- 1stFACTS project of its type in Brazil’s national electrical system
- 2 phasesFirst in Ribeirão Preto, then in Votuporanga, São Paulo
- ~R$ 75MInvestment for the first phase
- ~R$ 12MAdditional RAP for first-phase implementation
See the technology in context
ISA Energia Brasil’s FACTS page includes video context on how SmartValve technology supports flexibility, stability, and more efficient use of the transmission network.
ISA Energia Brasil FACTS overview
An overview of the first FACTS project of this type in Brazil’s national electrical system.
SmartValve deployment story
How Advanced Power Flow Control helps operators redirect flows across existing infrastructure.
Capacity, reliability, and flexibility without waiting for major buildout
The ISA Energia Brasil project shows how Advanced Power Flow Control can provide near-term relief while preserving flexibility for future network needs.
Supports load growth and changing flows
Adds controllable capability on constrained 138 kV circuits using existing infrastructure.
Relocatable by design
Devices can be moved as constraints shift, including a planned relocation in 2027.
Fast delivery for near-term need
Phase 1 is planned within a year of ordering, supporting urgent capacity requirements.
Operational flexibility
Dynamic control supports both N and N-1 conditions across the network.
SmartValve and FACTS technology visuals
Placeholder visuals are included for now and can be replaced with final ISA Energia Brasil project images when available.
ISA Energia Brasil: near-term capacity relief
Access the full case study to learn how ISA Energia Brasil is using SmartValve Advanced Power Flow Control to support load growth, improve reliability, and create a flexible control layer for future constraints.
