Bolivia’s 50 MW Oruro solar plant by 2028
Bolivia is taking another significant step in its renewable energy transition, with plans to construct a new 50-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic plant in the Oruro department. The project, announced by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energies, is scheduled to be operational by 2028, marking a key milestone in the nation’s strategy to diversify its energy matrix and harness its immense solar potential.
This development is part of Bolivia’s broader push to move beyond its traditional reliance on hydropower and natural gas, leveraging the exceptionally high solar irradiance of its altiplano region.
Harnessing the Power for the Oruro solar plant
The new solar plant will be strategically located in the Salinas de Garci Mendoza area of Oruro, a region in southwestern Bolivia known for its favorable climate for solar power generation, receiving an estimated 5.5 to 6.5 kWh/m² per day.
Key Project Details:
* Capacity: 50 MW-peak (MWp).
* Expected Generation: Approximately 120 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually.
* Impact: The plant is projected to supply clean energy to around 50,000 homes.
* Timeline:
* 2024: Project officially announced.
* Mid-2025: Environmental impact studies and land acquisition are expected to be completed.
* Late 2026: Construction is scheduled to commence.
* 2028: The plant is slated to become fully operational.
Upon completion, the facility will be connected to the national grid via a 230 kV line, ensuring the seamless distribution of the generated power.
Investment and Development of the Oruro solar plant
The project carries an estimated investment of between $60 and $70 million USD. Funding is expected to come from a combination of public-private partnerships and international loans. Bolivia has previously collaborated with institutions like the Inter-American Development Bank and experienced international firms for similar renewable energy ventures.
The state-owned National Electricity Company (ENDE), likely through its subsidiary ENDE Tecnologìa, is expected to lead the project, possibly in a consortium with private investors. The bidding process for partners and contractors was initiated in 2025, with feasibility studies already finalized.
A Key Piece in Bolivia’s Oruro solar plant Energy Puzzle
This 50 MW plant is not an isolated project but a crucial component of Bolivia’s 2021–2030 Energy Plan. The plan ambitiously targets the addition of 1,200 MW of renewable energy capacity from solar and wind sources by the end of the decade.
The significance of this project extends across several fronts:
* Energy Security: It will help reduce Bolivia’s energy deficit, which can reach up to 20% during dry seasons when hydropower output diminishes.
* Environmental Impact: The plant is expected to offset approximately 80,000 tons of COâ‚‚ emissions annually, contributing to the country’s climate goals.
* Economic Growth: The construction phase alone is projected to create around 500 jobs, providing a boost to the local economy.
Building on Past Success of Oruro solar plant
Bolivia is not new to large-scale solar projects in challenging environments. The Oruro department is already home to the 100 MW Rosario solar plant, which came online in 2022 and demonstrated the viability of such installations. Furthermore, the successful implementation of projects like the 200 MW Uyuni hybrid plant, operational in 2024, has provided valuable experience in overcoming the unique challenges of the region, including high altitude (3,700 meters), dust, and complex financing.
While these challenges remain, the precedents set by previous projects show a clear and feasible path forward. The new Oruro solar plant is more than just infrastructure; it’s a clear signal of Bolivia’s commitment to building a sustainable and resilient energy future.
For the latest information on the project’s progress, interested parties can refer to official announcements from ENDE Bolivia or follow reports from local news agencies like ABI and newspapers such as La Razón.
