First unit operating at 84-MW La Virgen hydroelectric plant in Peru

The first of three units at the US$140 million, 84-MW La Virgen hydroelectric plant in Peru’s highland region of Junín has begun commercial operations.

The unit came online Saturday, according to power grid coordinator COES.

Special purpose company La Virgen, controlled by Brazil’s Alupar Investimento and Peruana de Energía, began construction of the plant in 2014. The units are equipped with Hisa turbines and Weg generators.

The hydro project uses water from the Tarma River and connects to the national grid via the 63.5-km-long, 138-kV La Virgen-Caripa transmission line.

BNamericas previously reported that the energy and mines ministry had accepted a request by La Virgen for additional time to begin operations due to hydraulic interconnection issues and leaks in the water supply tunnel.

La Virgen holds a concession granted by the ministry for the power plant.

Meanwhile, the congressional economy, banking, finance and financial intelligence committee approved a bill to ease free power market restrictions to help mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19 on microenterprises and small businesses.

The initiative, tabled by parliamentary group Frente Popular Agrícola del Perú, would allow such companies to choose between the free power market or the regulated market by lowering to 50 kW from 200 kW the limit to be considered a regulated user and access cheaper electricity.


Source: Renewable Energy