Bolivia hopes to install 700 MW of wind power capacity during years from 2011-2020 as South America's poorest nation works to diversify its energy mix, according to industry observers.
In 2012, the nation is looking to build three wind parks with 30 – 50 MW of capacity each, a source familiar with the industry revealed requesting anonymity. The facilities will be built by domestic power company Empresa Nacional de Electricidad (ENDE).
Late last month, ENDE said it was studying the possibility of installing as much as 50 MW in La Paz, Oruro and Potosi but would not provide specific targets. It said the upcoming capacity was necessary to strengthen the national power grid, which is failing to meet growing demand in the central South American country.
Sergio Valda, South America director for Spanish consultancy 3i Ingenieria Industrial, which specialises in renewable energy, said there is enough state interest to build as much as 700 MW of generation capacity in 10 years. Overall, he said Bolivia has the potential for 100,000 MW of wind power capacity.
Valda noted Bolivia is planning installations in La Paz, Oruro and mining city Potosi first because its eastern region has the greatest power shortages. In the long-term, however, the province of Santa Cruz in western Bolivia will likely attract the greatest development.
La Paz, the world's highest capital city, is being considered as well because the winds blow as fast as 16m per second there. However, because of the lower density of the air, annual capacity may be limited to 2,000 hours a year, observers said.
Ambitious Agenda
ENDE would not return phone calls for this article. Valda said the government is still studying the feasibility of the wind-power expansion and working out how to pursue it as part of an ambitious renewables agenda, which also calls for Bolivia to develop its solar and biomass resources.
Overall, Bolivia hopes to generate 20%-25% of its energy through renewable resources in 2025, Valda said.
The state is expected to unveil its renewables strategy next spring when it plans to hold an auction for local and international developers to build the wind facilities. The state will finance the projects through its own coffers, development-bank loans and other third-world aid.
Bolivia's eastern region currently gets electricity from hydropower plants that become maxed out during the winter months or in dry periods so adding capacity through wind parks there is a government priority. A planned 600-MW hydro facility is also in the works for south of Santa Cruz. The wind and hydro parks will likely complement that network, sources said.
Export Potential
While Bolvia's breadwinning resource is natural gas, its reserves are not expected to last longer than 60 years.
