LatAm transmission infra growth to create demand for services

The expected growth in power transmission infrastructure in Latin America should prompt demand for related services in the region.

Gustavo Ishibashi, energy and utility director at French test, inspection and certification provider Bureau Veritas, told BNamericas a new phase of investments is expected to generate demand for services that are no longer seen in other regions, such as Europe. For example, the use of overhead cables requires specific safety solutions.

“Brazil is having a new wave of power transmission investments that brought higher demand for the construction of transmission lines,” Ishibashi said.

After its power and utility revenues grew 95% in Brazil last year, the company expects to seize similar opportunities in Chile, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru, with services such as management for transmission lines and measurement of indebtedness and fraud in power distribution.

In that context, digital solutions are crucial. The company already provides georeferencing of assets and uses drones to assess remote or risky locations.

“Artificial intelligence and business intelligence are the two frontiers that could help us provide more data and analysis services. There is a constant need for digital solutions investments,” the executive added.

Brazil’s next transmission auction will be held on December 19 and is expected to yield 4.1bn reais (US$1bn) in investments.