In a significant milestone for the Paraguayan electricity sector, the Valenzuela 500 kV Substation has successfully received the last 500 kV Transformers, as announced by the National Electricity Administration (ANDE).
The event was attended by ANDE's President, Eng. Félix Sosa, along with executives, representatives from the Financial Fund for the Development of the Río de la Plata Basin (FONPLATA), and the San José Consortium. With the completion of the transformers' installation, the substation, located in the Cordillera department, will have a total power capacity of 1,400 MVA, benefiting approximately 770,000 customers in the departments of Cordillera, Central, and Asunción, as well as indirectly providing job opportunities for 500 families.
The Valenzuela 500 kV Substation is an essential component of ANDE's Master Plan, playing a crucial role in the Paraguayan electricity grid. With five vital Transmission Lines converging at the substation, it will enable a more substantial injection of power into the National Interconnected System. The project encompasses the installation of two banks of 500/220/23 kV transformers (600 MVA each), a bank of 220/66 kV 120 MVA transformers, and a 220/23 kV 80 MVA power transformer capable of supporting 10 distribution lines. Additionally, the substation will facilitate the sectioning of the 500 kV Ayolas - Villa Hayes Transmission Line and the construction of a 66 kV Transmission Line and another 220 kV aerial simple triplet for the interconnection of the Valenzuela Substation to the Transmission Lines in 220 kV Coronel Oviedo- Eusebio Ayala - Capiatá- San Lorenzo, as well as the sectioning of the double triplet LT Coronel Oviedo - Guarambaré and Coronel Oviedo- Pirayú.
In line with the broader project, there are plans to construct the future 66 kV San José de los Arroyos Substation, benefitting 15,000 customers and companies in the city of San José de los Arroyos. Moreover, the Transmission Line in 66 kV Valenzuela - San José de los Arroyos will be established. The Valenzuela 500 kV Substation project, valued at USD 85,000,000, is financed through a loan granted by FONPLATA and executed through the ANDE-FONPLATA International Public Bid No. 1561/20. The project is awarded to the San José Consortium, marking a significant step towards strengthening Paraguay's power infrastructure.
Source: bnamericas.com