The future energy hub of South America
Bolivia and Siemens are improving the access to electrical power for Bolivia's growing population and its developing economy with the expansion of three thermal power plants: Termoeléctrica del Sur, Termoléctrica de Warnes, and Termoléctrica Entre Ríos. The project is part of an overarching collaboration that covers a long-term volume over a billion euros.
Scope of supply delivered via oceans and mountains
- 9 SGT-800 gas turbines and associated generators
- 14 SGT-800 gas turbines
- 11 SST-400 steam turbines with condensers
- 22 heat recovery steam generators (HRSG)
- Omnivise T3000 instrument and control system
- 25 electric generators
- 25 transformers
- Service and Training Center
The Energy Industry Times covers Energizing Bolivia
"A megaproject is under way in Bolivia that is part of a strategic programme aimed at turning the country into a regional energy hub. The project, which sees the conversion of three separate simple cycle plants into combined cycle, is a showcase in project logistics under challenging conditions."
In a global effort that covered thousands of miles, the equipment arrived from Sweden, China, Germany, Italy, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brazil. Management and logistics were done in Sweden for the initial phase and in Austria for the expansion phase.
SGT-800 gas turbines were in the initial phase delivered for operation in simple cycle mode to provide Bolivia with fast generation of electricity. The gas turbines were prepared for steam-tailing to enable phased construction (simple cycle first) and extension to class leading combined cycle performance, as being executed within the expansion phase.
- The Termoeléctrica del Sur thermal power plant
Initial phase: Four gas turbines for operation in simple cycle modeExpansion phase: Four gas turbines, four steam turbines, and eight heat recovery steam generators (HRSG).Steam-tailing of the existing thermal power plant and erection of new power plants at the same location - resulting in four blocks of 2x1 combined cycle power plants.
- The Termoeléctrica de Warnes plant
Initial phase: Five gas turbines for operation in simple cycle mode
Expansion phase: Four gas turbines, four steam turbines, and eight heat recovery steam generators (HRSG).
Steam-tailing of the existing thermal power plant and erection of new power plants at the same location - resulting in four blocks of 2x1 combined cycle power plants and one gas turbine still in simple cycle mode.
- The Termoeléctrica Entre Ríos plant
Expansion phase: Six gas turbines, three steam turbines, and six heat recovery steam generators (HRSG).
Erection of new power plants - resulting in three blocks of 2x1 combined cycle power plants. At the same location are already four Siemens SGT-700 gas turbines in simple cycle mode operation.
Strengthening Bolivia’s energy sovereignty
This expansion phase will add more than one gigawatt to the local power grid by 2019. The installed power generating capacity of Bolivia’s National Interconnected System will be increased by around 50%. The power plants will provide a reliable energy supply for the country's population and lay the groundwork for future exports.
Power generation in Bolivia is set to almost double, up to 14.2 TWh in 2026. This will allow Bolivia’s planned electricity exports to match internal demand by 2025. The nation’s ultimate goal is to become the electricity hub of South America by powering its bordering countries.
As part of its commitment to supporting Bolivia's efforts to improve access to electricity for its growing population, Siemens is building a new, modern energy service and training center. It is designed to provide Siemens' specialized high-tech traditional and digital services to energy customers in Bolivia and South America. Siemens is investing over $23 million in the facility that is expected to employ approximately 130 people.
