Analysts: Power generation goal hard to achieve in 2010

Experts claim that the government is “trapped” in the electric crisis

According to experts, the hydroelectric system “is under stress” (File photo)

Energy
Energy experts are concerned about the fact that, despite the present energy crisis, the Venezuelan electric system is still "exploiting to the limit" its thermal and hydroelectric sources.

Concomitantly, the measures implemented to reduce electricity demand and increase power generation have failed to bear fruits so far.

Nelson Hernández, a member of the Committee on Energy and Environment, National Academy of Engineering and Housing, said that "the government is strategically trapped. There is no way out. However savings we try to do, we have to diminish the quality of life dramatically."

Hernández termed ill advised the opening of small-scale distributed generation plants, which he called mere "engines." "They are neither power units nor turbines." These machines produce a small amount of energy (8 to 15 megawatts), they are fuel-intensive and costly. "Each engine requires 46,000 barrels of diesel per day. That is to say, to produce 1,000 Mw these plants will use 46,000 bpd of diesel and a fleet of trucks to transport fuel."

In his view, the government "should have used the funds allocated to these plants to build a 500 Mw power plant." He said that "the government is unlikely to add 4,000 Mw in 2010," as officials have announced.

Mariela León
EL UNIVERSAL

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