La Paz, March 22, 2025 (ABI) – The Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy (MHE) has set the stage for a significant advancement in electricity exchange between Bolivia and Brazil, with the completion of a study on the electrical interconnection expected by May 2025. According to the 2024 Final Accountability Report from the MHE, this ambitious project envisions the establishment of a 500 Kilovolt (kV) connection from Bolivia's Germán Busch province in Santa Cruz to the Brazilian electric grid. This development is anticipated to include an initial connection to the Corumbá node, followed by an extended link to the Jauru node in subsequent phases.
This initiative has seen fruitful collaboration with Brazil's Ministry of Mines and Energy, which has facilitated the study through the Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (EPE). A dedicated team comprising representatives from Bolivia's Empresa Nacional de Electricidad (ENDE), the National Dispatch Committee (CNDC), and the Vice Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energies has been constituted to manage the coordination efforts for the exchange of up to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of energy. The initiative aims for detailed electrical modeling and analysis, particularly regarding the first phase connection to Corumbá.
The study's genesis can be traced back to December 2024, when initial information requests were made, and it is now nearing its conclusion. With this partnership, Bolivia aims to enhance its role in the regional energy market, particularly as it already exports electricity to Argentina via the 132 kilovolt (kV) "Juana Azurduy de Padilla" interconnection line. This line, extending over 120 kilometers from the Yaguacua Substation in Bolivia to the Tartagal Substation in Argentina, has successfully facilitated substantial electricity exports.
In 2024 alone, Bolivia successfully exported 188,605.10 megawatt-hours (MWh) to Argentina, generating approximately Bs 124.1 million in revenue. This revenue stream not only bolsters Bolivia's economic standing but also underscores its potential to become an important electricity supplier in South America.
Furthermore, one of the strategic projects aimed at solidifying this goal is the Binational Río Madera project. This major undertaking is designed to assess hydroelectric potential by identifying a series of measures to ascertain the best paths for its development. With an anticipated installed capacity of over 3,600 MW, the project promises to minimize socio-environmental impacts while maximizing the socio-economic benefits for Bolivia.
In fact, during a meeting of the Brazil-Bolivia Technical Committee (CTB) held on September 9, 2024, an inventory study on the Río Madera and its tributaries was presented. This study detailed the potential advantages of the proposed Binational Madera Hydropower Plant and the Chepete Hydropower Plant, focusing on their prospective benefits for both Bolivia and Brazil. Following the consultation process in both countries, approval will be sought in future CTB meetings.
As Bolivia continues its journey towards becoming a significant energy player on the global stage, the growing collaboration with its Brazilian counterpart signifies a fruitful step in that direction. The successful completion of the electrical interconnection study could pave the way for a broader energy collaboration throughout the region, fostering economic development and ensuring energy security.
In summation, with its plans to strengthen interconnections and hydroelectric potential, Bolivia is positioning itself as a key electricity provider in South America, with concrete plans in motion to achieve its goals of energy exportation and regional cooperation. The future seems bright, especially with the expected conclusion of the interconnection study, which will set the stage for what is hoped to be a more interconnected and energy-secure South America.
