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Billion-dollar investments are underway in South America, transforming the infrastructure of countries such as Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Colombia. These megaprojects promise to revolutionize the areas of transportation, energy and connectivity, with a direct impact on trade and the quality of life of local populations. Check out the main details of the eight largest megaprojects in South America currently underway and how they are shaping the future of the region.
Embark on a journey through the eight largest megaprojects in South America currently underway, which aim to transform the infrastructure, transportation and energy supply of several countries. Learn about initiatives ranging from gigantic ports and railways to renewable energy projects and bridge construction that promise to impact the lives of millions of people.
South America works in progress
1. Port of Chancay (Peru)
Starting our list One of the largest megaprojects in South America, the Port of Chancay, located 70 km from Lima, Peru, will be the largest port in the region. With an investment of around R$20 billion from the Chinese company CCO, the deep-water port will occupy 1.000 hectares on the Pacific coast, capable of receiving ships of up to 21.000 TEUs, surpassing the capacity of the Port of Santos, in Brazil. Construction began in 2019 and is already 91% complete, with the expectation of reducing transportation time to Asia from 35 to 20 days, directly benefiting logistics and trade between the continents.
- Brazil's first mega underwater tunnel will be responsible for deforestation of 105 THOUSAND square meters of Atlantic Forest; on the other hand, the R$6 BILLION project will generate 9 THOUSAND jobs
- Governor announces R$25 MILLION for construction of new marginal roads on important Brazilian highway (BR)
- Megaproject challenges the limits of construction: 40 BILLION tunnel that connects two continents through the ocean at MORE THAN 470 meters deep and already has a completion date
- R$30 billion and 40 years later: construction of the Angra 3 nuclear power plant remains stalled due to disagreements within the Government
2. Andes Renewables (Chile)
Another highlight among South American megaprojects is Andes Renováveis, in Chile, with the goal of supplying 70% of the country with renewable energy by 2030. With 10 wind and solar farms in three phases (Condor, Huemul and Copihue), this project will have the capacity to generate up to 2 GW, supplying more than 2 million homes. The first two phases are completed, while the final phase begins in 2024.
3. Bogotá Metro (Colombia)
Bogotá's long-awaited metro is set to ease the chaotic traffic in the city, which is one of the most congested in South America. With an investment of R$25 billion, the line will be 24 km long and have 16 stations, connecting the south to the north of the city. The project, which was started in 2021 by a Chinese company, is expected to begin operating in 2028, serving 560 passengers daily, with a second line already planned to expand the system.
4. Rio-SP Bullet Train and Salvador-Itaparica Bridge (Brazil)
Two megatransport projects in Brazil are among the largest in South America. The bullet train between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo aims to reduce travel time between the two cities to 1 hours, at an estimated cost of R$55 billion. Although facing financial challenges, the project remains on the agenda with discussions of international partnerships.
The Salvador-Itaparica Bridge, which is 12,4 km long, will connect the capital of Bahia to the island of Itaparica, with construction scheduled to begin in 2025. With a cost of R$9 billion, the bridge will also bring road improvements to the region, facilitating access to Recôncavo and the west of Bahia.
5. Patagonian Dams (Argentina)
In Argentina, the Patagonia Dams promise to transform the country’s energy supply. Located on the Santa Cruz River, the Kirchner and Cepernic dams will have a combined capacity of 1.740 MW, making a significant contribution to renewable energy generation. Under construction since 2015, the dams are scheduled to be operational by 2028, marking an important step in the country’s energy diversification.
6. Expansion of the São Paulo Metro (Brazil)
The expansion of the São Paulo Metro is one of the largest urban megaprojects in South America. With an investment of R$50 billion, the expansion includes line 6-Laranja, which connects the northwest to the center, benefiting approximately 600 thousand passengers per day, and line 17-Ouro, a monorail that will connect Congonhas Airport to the metro network. The expansion, scheduled for completion by 2025, is expected to serve millions of passengers and improve urban mobility in the city.
7. Bioceanic Railway (Brazil, Bolivia and Peru)
The Bioceanic Railway, known as the Bioceanic Railway Corridor, is the largest railway project currently underway in South America. Stretching 4.900 km, the railway will connect the Port of Santos in Brazil to the Pacific ports of Peru, passing through Bolivia. This megaproject, estimated at R$100 billion, aims to facilitate trade between Asia and South America, reducing costs and transport times, and fostering regional development.
8. Belo Monte Hydroelectric Complex (Brazil)
Closing our list of megaprojects In South America, the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Complex in Brazil is one of the largest power plants in the world. Located on the Xingu River in Pará, the plant generates 11.233 MW, making it essential for the country's energy supply.
