Colombia readies tenders for 'critical' power grid projects

Colombian energy ministry planning unit UPME has unveiled plans for seven urgent transmission projects in an effort to bolster the national electricity grid. 

The projects will prioritize the regions of Caribe, Chocó and Norte de Santander in the country's north, UPME said in a report published on Wednesday. 

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

"The package of seven works, projected for a timeframe of four to seven years, will provide solutions to recurring problems due to network restrictions and will guarantee structural solutions to minimize the risk of unmet demand," the entity said. 

"These works will be carried out in geographical nodes previously identified as critical by the market operator, XM," it added. 

Projects

The Caribbean block includes two developments designed to reinforce the regional transmission network. 

These will involve the implementation of synchronous compensators in La Guajira, Cesar and Magdalena departments. In addition, capacity will be expanded with the addition of a new substation – Magangué – in Bolívar department. 

The Chocó block involves three projects, including two substations – with respective voltages of 220kV and 115kV – in the city of Quibdó and a 30MVA dynamic compensator. 

A third block in Norte de Santander department entails the expansion of the Tonchalá substation in Cúcuta, and the installation of 115kV dynamic compensators in Insula. 

More information can be seen here and here