Costa Rica News – Costa Rica can use all the help it can get in regards to ICE and geothermal energy.
Bolivia’s power utility Empresa Nacional de Electricidad (Ende) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday to receive technical assistance from Costa Rica for evaluation of geothermal resources and construction of the first 50-MW geothermal plant in the Laguna Colorada area.
The cooperation agreement with Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) will allow for training of Bolivian experts for the operation of the 50-MW plant as of 2019. In addition, ICE will help identify Bolivia’s geothermal potential.
Located in Potosi department, the 50-MW Laguna Colorada project will require USD 222 million (EUR 197.9m) and 170 km (105.6 miles) of transmission lines, the energy ministry said.
However, the area is expected to generate at least 100 MW in the future.
Bolivia has set a target to reach 800 MW of renewable energy by 2020, energy minister Luis Sanchez said after the signing of the agreement.
The country is already investing in solar, wind and hydro power and wants to develop geothermal plants in Potosi, he stated.
by Diana Hristova, http://renewables.seenews.com/news/bolivia-signs-mou-with-costa-rica-on-geothermal-energy-465984
