National Electricity Administration (ANDE) announced a record-breaking growth of 18% in Paraguay’s energy consumption over 2024. ANDE president Félix Sosa classified the unprecedented surge in energy consumption as one of the highest globally. This incredible leap surpasses Paraguay’s average 9% growth rate of the past four years.
Powering progress
This growth demonstrates Paraguay’s commitment to harnessing its own energy resources. President Sosa, in a recent interview with Paraguay TV, reassured residents, affirming that the country has the capacity to meet this surging demand. The ANDE’s Master Generation Plan 2024-2043 outlines the strategy for ensuring a bright future.
Did you know that Paraguay currently uses only about 50% of the country’s available production capacity? Even the peak consumption in March of this year, required just 58% of the installed power.
Ample power: harnessing resources
Paraguay’s combined capacity from Itaipu, Yacyretá, and Acaray hydroelectric plants is a whopping 8,760 MW. While the country has a comfortable margin, Sosa emphasised that ANDE is proactively diversifying energy sources, anticipating future needs.
Looking ahead to 2043, the plan forecasts a need for an additional 11,000 MW to match the projected demand, accounting for exciting developments like green hydrogen production and the rise of cryptocurrency mining. These innovative ventures offer a remarkable opportunity for Paraguay.
Investing in the future
The current contracts for differentiated cryptocurrency mining tariffs expire on December 31st, 2027. ANDE is actively seeking new investments to channel available energy towards industries that will propel Paraguay’s industrialisation. Solar panels, small private hydroelectric plants, and even the use of hydrocarbons such as gas are being considered. A potential gas pipeline across the Chaco region, between Argentina and Brazil, is also on the horizon.
Since 2020, ANDE has consistently invested an average of US$300 million annually in upgrading electrical systems. Current transmission projects total US$346.2 million, including a crucial new 500KV transmission line between Yguazú and Valenzuela. This station is key for distributing energy from the binational hydroelectric plants to the Metropolitan System.
Modernising the grid
Distribution projects are underway, receiving US$288 million in investment, focusing on conductor replacements and grid digitalisation. This is not just about new wires; it is about bringing the infrastructure into the 21st century, improving efficiency, and ensuring powering Paraguay’s energy consumption.
ANDE is committed to reducing energy loss within the distribution system. Sosa: “One of the challenges is reducing losses; last year, we were able to reduce losses by 2% for the first time in a single year.”
