Wind Energy

Venezuela is building its first wind farm By José Santamarta

The wind farm Paraguaná will have 100 megawatts in its final phase. The power plant is part of Venezuela policy to diversify its energy sources for electricity production, which now depends on more than 70 percent of hydropower.

The heavy drought in Venezuela, result of El Niño weather phenomenon, forcing the country’s authorities to accelerate the use of alternative sources of generation, including wind power, with high potential in various regions.

In his radio program in line with the governor, Lugo said the government of President Hugo Chávez makes investments for electricity generation nationwide.

She pointed out that Falcon, after the wind measured over two years, confirmed the possibility of generating electricity there with wind energy.

Jesus Luongo, general manager of the Paraguana Refining Center, said a month ago came the first 24 rings of segmentation to build a foundation that will support poles will be placed where the wind turbines.

Luongo estimated that by July will be the first towers of wind turbines in the municipality of Taques, area where this wind farm will be developed.

Venezuela president Hugo Chavez has announced the country is planning to develop wind energy in an attempt to head off a possible energy crisis.

Galp plans to build four wind farms in La Guajira, Isla de Coche, Isla Margarita and Chacopata, amounting to a total power of 72 MW and almost €90 million.

Almost 4.000 kilometers of coast to the north of Venezuela are more than enough to establish wind farms, able to produce one of the cleanest types of energy.

Gamesa breaks into the Venezuelan market with the installation of 100 MW in what will be the country’s first wind farm. The company will supply 76 wind turbine generators to PDVSA amounting to almost €116 million through its subsidiary MADE. Gamesa positions itself as one of the main wind turbine suppliers in the Latin American market by closing this deal.

By José Santamarta

www.galpenergia.com/Galp+Energia/English/The+Company/default.htm

www.impsa.com.ar/

www.gamesacorp.com

www.giaelec.org/Articulos/A2006-04.pdf