The Challenge
Compensating for the energy deficit caused by drought
Corpoelec is the company in charge of power generation and distribution in Venezuela. A lengthy period of drought prevented the Guri hydroelectric plant from reaching the minimum levels of water to generate at full capacity. This plant produced 70% of the energy consumed in the country. This situation, along with the delay in the start-up of other generation projects that were being developed, made it necessary for Corpoelec to contract Aggreko and be able to meet the energy demand.
Aggreko was tasked to rapidly install and commission three power plants in the states of Barinas, Merida and Tachira in the western part of the country to serve the 3.3 million inhabitants of the region. Tourism, agriculture and border trade are the three main economic activities in the area, making energy an essential service for both individuals and industries. Also, the development of new infrastructure projects on the region required a further increase in generation.
Key Facts
- 115 MW of reliable energy
- 3.3 Millons people benefiting
- 3 Localidades where equipment was installed
The Solution
Record-time comissioning
Aggreko’s proposal included the design, construction and preparation of the sites, the supply and installation of all the equipment, administration, operation and maintenance of the plant, everything necessary to be able to guarantee continuous and reliable energy generation. The efficiency of Aggreko’s diesel generators allowed the fuel consumption to be optimized, which contributed to the reduction in energy costs. 134 of Aggreko’s exclusive diesel generators KTA50 were delivered and installed in between 6 and 8 weeks and in different locations, generating a total amount of 115 MW:
- 60 MW produced by 72 generators installed in the State of Merida
- 30 MW produced by 34 generators installed in the State of Tachira
- 25 MW produced by 28 generators installed in the State of Barinas
The comprehensive scope of the plants included: reception systems and fuel tanks, control and operation equipment, protection systems and transformers to deliver power at 13.8 kV voltage.
The Impact
Safe and reliable energy to meet demand
The excellent companys record in Venezuela, the scope of the solutions and the ability to react quickly, made Corpoelec decide on Aggreko’s proposal. The partnership between Aggreko and Corpoelec helped to mitigate the difference between demand and supply of energy due to the drought and the delay in new generation and transmission projects. In this way, the daily activities of the 3.3 million inhabitants of the regions serviced were benefited.