Bolivia still plans to tap the energy potential of the Grande River basin, despite community opposition and skepticism over the feasibility of such an export-oriented development project, according to BNamericas.
During a speech to workers of state power company Ende, President Evo Morales reiterated the call for Bolivia to become the energy hub of South America.
The government’s roadmap for the basin envisions a cascade system of seven hydro plants: 400-MW Seripona, 380-MW Canahuecal, 150-MW Las Juntas, 150-MW Ocampo, 380-MW Pena Blanca, 460-MW La Pesca and 600-MW Rositas. Rositas is the furthest advanced among the seven in terms of early stage work.
In October 2018, HydroWorld reported that Bolivian energy authorities were in the process of identifying about US$2 billion in financing for early stage hydro and wind power generation projects. This included Rositas.
Ende is now looking to advance one of the proposed plants — Canahuecal — and seeks groups with experience with hydro projects greater than 200 MW to carry out a preinvestment technical design study.
In addition, last month HydroWorld reported on Corani (a subsidiary of Ende) seeking financing to develop the 147-MW Banda Azul hydropower project.
