From clean energy to diverse trade: Sichuan's role in 50 years of China-Brazil ties

As China and Brazil commemorate half a century of diplomatic ties, some Sichuan-manufactured hydro turbines, now a decade strong in Brazil's energy grid, are seen as symbols of strengthening economic and trade ties.

In Deyang, southwest China's Sichuan Province, the model for a new type of hydro turbine is being tested. Over a decade ago, 22 bulb turbines were manufactured at the same factory and exported to Brazil. They have been operational across the Madeira River since.

"The 22 turbines are performing well," President of Dongfang Electric Machinery Yan Zhiyong told CGTN.

Yan has just returned from a visit to the Jirau Hydropower Station in Brazil. It is now under full operation by the Brazilian side.

"They are performing better than other units operating on the same platform," Yan said.

According to Yan, the China-developed turbines are 0.39 percent more efficient compared with those manufactured by other leading global suppliers, meaning they can generate 40 million kilowatt-hours more of electricity per unit each year under the same operating conditions.

Hydropower in Brazil contributes to over 70 percent of the country's electricity production. This is where companies like Dongfang Electric eye opportunities for economic growth and deeper cooperation.

"Through this visit, we learned that Brazil's hydropower installations will continue to be upgraded according to the needs of the power grid," Yan said. "We hope to seize such opportunities to provide them with the best technologies – for the development of Brazil's new energy sector."

The Jirau Hydropower Project remains the largest hydropower contract between China and Brazil to date, both in terms of installed capacity and the scale of the agreement. But there are more sectors anticipating new opportunities.

In April, Sichuan Province led a delegation of representatives from several enterprises on a visit to Brazil. This was followed in June by Brazil's inauguration of a new consulate general in Chengdu, which facilitates visa processing for southwest China.

According to Cezar Amaral, the consul general of Brazil to Chengdu, the consulate is establishing a technological cooperation sector and a trade promotion sector "so Chinese companies from this region would be able to have their appropriate contacts."

Amaral added that a commercial mission from the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso will visit Chengdu for the first time in early September.

Capitalizing on Sichuan's strengths and Brazil's unique products, the collaboration between the two sides is expected to extend across tourism, agriculture, cultural exchanges, and educational initiatives.