Bolivia advances renewable energy plans amid unrest

The buildout of Bolivia’s non-conventional renewable energy (NCRE) potential is one of the few common denominators expected to underpin energy sector policymaking regardless of the next administration that takes over the crisis-torn nation.

“We will initiate an energy transformation towards renewable sources to promote the process of productive diversification and move towards a clean and sustainable economy,” according to the government program of Carlos Mesa.

Mesa, who ran against Evo Morales in the fraud-tainted presidential election and looks to win in a new electoral round, envisions that up to 50% of power generation will come from renewables.

Read Bolivia election watch: Carlos Mesa's energy roadmap

One NCRE project that BNamericas is tracking in Bolivia is the 100MW Laguna Colorada geothermal complex at the Sol de Mañana geothermal field in Potosí department, close to 5,000m above sea level.

Source: Ende

The Japan International Cooperation Agency is helping finance the US$691mn project whose 50MW first phase is penciled in to come online in 2023.

To advance Laguna Colorada, and a day after Morales resigned as president, state power company Ende issued a call for expressions of interest to provide consultancy services for the construction of the plant.

The work includes planning, supervising and evaluating well drilling, and carrying out the basic engineering as well as and preparing bidding documents to select contractors, according to procurement information, available here.

Ende will accept expressions of interest through December 2.

The state operator also has begun early studies into the development of the Empexa geothermal field.

Pictured: Laguna Colorada well pumping test (CREDIT: Ende)

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Follow the country’s unfolding crisis with the BNamericas Newsfinder which includes the following updates:

Evo Morales flees crisis-torn Bolivia after deadly clashes  

Evo Morales said goodbye to Bolivia and set off for Mexico: "Soon I will return with more strength and energy"      

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