Three Wind Energy Projects in Bolivia Begin Construction

The preliminary work on the wind farm project and the design of the wind turbines are expected to begin in the next 90 days.

Bolivian President Evo Morales announced the construction of three wind power plants this year, following the signing of a Supreme Decree that authorizes the credit agreement with the Danish Agency for International Development (Danida).

The signature of the Supreme Decree was made in the city of Santa Cruz, with the presence of the Minister of Energy, Rafael Alarcón, deputy ministers, directors of the National Electricity Company (ENDE) and representatives of social organizations.

The total amount allocated to the execution of the three wind farms is more than 156 million euros financed by Danida and ENDE through a loan with funds from the Central Bank of Bolivia.

The wind farms Warnes, San Julián and El Dorado will allow the generation of 108 MW, which will allow the export of electricity to the outside of the country starting next year.

The San Julián wind farm will be located in the municipality of Cotoca and will have 11 wind turbines, while El Dorado will be built in the municipality of Cabezas with the location of 15 wind turbines, and the Warnes, located in the municipality of the same name, will place four wind turbines.

In July, Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas had secured the 108MW order from Electricity National Company (ENDE) for the three wind farms. The order includes supply and installation of 30 V136-3.45MW delivered in 3.6MW power-optimized mode, as well as site construction supervision and an MV Collector system.

“The execution of this project together with an experienced partner like Vestas responds to the government’s aim to implement a more sustainable, clean and environmentally committed energy mix in the country. As of today, only thermoelectric energy is generated in the Santa Cruz department, so these three wind farms implementation will be transcendental to reduce CO2 emissions and to improve the environmental quality,” Alarcon said at the time.