Colombia launches tenders for power grid reinforcement projects

Colombia has launched competitive bidding processes for power grid expansion and reinforcement works in the Caribbean and Pacific coastal regions. 

According to documents published by energy ministry planning unit UPME, interested companies have until November 12 to present technical and financial bids for the 500kV Manangué project in northern Córdoba and Sucre departments. Results of the tender are scheduled to be made public on November 26.

The successful company or consortium will be tasked with designing, acquiring equipment, building, operating and maintaining a new 500kV substation and associated power lines. 

The project is expected to start commercial operations no later than December 21, 2028, and the successful bidder will operate the infrastructure for 25 years. 

Offers for a related supervisory contract are due October 11 with the winner slated to be announced on October 23. 

UPME is also calling for expressions of interest in a contract for the construction and operation of a 30MVA static synchronous compensator at the 115kV Cértegui substation in western Chocó department. 

The cut-off for financial and technical proposals is November 5 and counteroffers may be submitted ahead of a November 20 deadline for the announcement of results. 

The project is due online on December 31, 2027.

Both initiatives form part of a package of priority projects unveiled by UPME in July to bolster the nation’s electricity grid.

The tenders will benefit from an "express" process featuring reduced bureaucracy and rapid administrative deadlines, according to UPME.

More information can be seen here and here.