China has been actively participating in Brazil's energy transformation, with Chinese companies continuing to invest significantly, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs) and power transmission line projects, said Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as he expressed Brazil's desire for deeper cooperation with China in an interview with China Central Television prior to Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Brazil.
In the interview conducted in Brasilia, President Lula highlighted the roles of Chinese EV manufacturer BYD, which is investing in Brazil. He emphasized the significance of this investment for Brazil's industrial growth and competitiveness.
"I think it's very good, and I am working to make it a reality. This week, I was pleased to learn that BYD will have 20,000 employees in the state of Bahia. The factory produces and exports EVs to other countries. This is vital for a large country like Brazil, as it encourages further investments from other vehicle manufacturers, enhancing the competitiveness of the entire industry. Today, I received good news - this month, Brazil's automobile production reached a record high, marking an important milestone. If we can further strengthen cooperation with China, we will have more export industries, we can introduce technologies, produce batteries, and continue to deepen cooperation in the field of aerospace, artificial intelligence and so on. This partnership benefits Brazil, China, and the world, as we are eager to share the fruits of our development with neighboring countries," said the Brazilian president.
China and Brazil recently signed a franchise agreement for the Brazil Northeast Ultra-High Voltage Direct Current (UHVDC) power transmission line project, the largest power transmission auction in Brazil's history. President Lula acknowledged China's active role in advancing Brazil's energy transformation.
"China has actively engaged in Brazil's ongoing energy transformation, which is significant because Brazil is at the forefront of a historical change. Few countries in the world are as well-endowed as Brazil in renewable energy production capacity, and China has made great contributions by actively bidding for, securing, and investing in various projects. That is the special strength of China-Brazil relations," said Lula.
The UHVDC power transmission line project spans over 1,468 kilometers and aims to deliver 5 million kilowatts of clean energy from northeastern wind and solar farms to key regions in the southeast, including Brasilia's metropolitan area.
In addition, China is advancing another energy project in Russas, Ceara in northeastern Brazil. The Lagoinha project, led by the China Nuclear Power Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., is the first greenfield solar power project of its kind in Brazil.
During construction, the project is expected to create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs. Upon completion, it is projected to generate more than 400 million kWh of electricity annually -enough to power 240,000 Brazilian households - while reducing approximately 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
This growing collaboration strengthens mutual understanding and exchanges between the people of China and Brazil, fostering deeper ties and shared progress.
Brazil seeks deeper cooperation with China in EVs, energy transformation
