Renewable energy developments in South America 2013 and beyond

Hydropower is still at the forefront of developments in South America and Brazil will reap the benefits of two new hydroelectric schemes within the state of Amapa in the coming few years. The Santo Antonio Dam, which will have a generating capacity of 373,4MW, is set to come online in 2014. Towards the end of 2012 the rights to build another dam in the state was awarded to Energias de Portugal SA (EDP). The Cachoeira Caldeirao dam will produce 219 MW and will have to come online by 2017.

Peru will also be adding to it’s hydropower after approval for financing was given by the Inter-American Investment Corporation. The 5,36 MW plant is the latest in a number of developments that will increase Peru’s Hydropower network. A prediction by Frost and Sullivan sets Peru’s Electricity usage to increase by a potential 11 700 MW by 2016. Other hydropower projects are the Santa Rita (255MW), Santa Maria (750MW), Santa Teresa (98,5MW) and Chaglla (406MW) that will help bolster the power output potential.

The Chilean govenrment has taken steps to kick start the Solar Energy sector by approving the construction of a 50MW Solar farm. Chile will solicit bids in 2013 for the construction, which will be the largest solar farm in South America once completed. With the favorable conditions and high electricity prices predicted for the end of the decade, Chile has attracted permit applications from solar developers for a total value of over $9 billion. With figures like these, this project may be the first of many to be brought to light.

In Southern Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia have invited bids through the jointly owned Zambezi River Authority for the construction of a 1600MW Hydro electric dam. It will be situated at the Batoka Gorge, 54km down river from the Victoria falls. This construction will do much to alleviate the current pressure on the Electric grid and remove much of the dependency upon electricity imports. Combined with the Gokwe North Project, a coal fired power station under construction, the Batoka Gorge Hydro power station could in fact lead a net export of electricity for Zimbabwe in the coming years.