IMPSA begins rehabilitation of the Macagua and Tocoma plants to add 672 MW
The acting president announced on October 29 the formal start of works. The first phase will add 672 megawatts to the national power system within 24 months.
On October 29 the acting president announced the end of the planning stage and the formal start of the rehabilitation of the Macagua and Tocoma hydroelectric plants, in Bolívar state. The work is carried out by IMPSA, a US-Argentine company, under the agreement signed with Corpoelec on August 12.
The first phase adds 672 MW in 24 months. Macagua contributes 240 MW with units 4, 5 and 6. Tocoma contributes 432 MW with units 1 and 2, of 216 MW each.
Macagua units 5 and 6 will return 160 MW in about 90 days, upgrading from 60 to 80 MW each. Unit 4 will add 80 MW in about 12 months. Civil works at Tocoma start at the same time.
Electric Power Minister Rolando Alcalá said the first 80 MW turbine comes online in December 2026. More than 600 MW will be added between 2027 and mid-2028. The project will hire more than 1,000 workers and the master plan foresees up to 2,640 MW.
According to MIPPCI, State investment in both plants exceeds US$300 million. Attendees included IMPSA president Jorge Salcedo, Corpoelec president Juan Crisóstomo Fernández and US chargé d'affaires John Barrett.
