Sep 13 2010
Venezuela, a country known for its large oil and natural gas reserves ranked among the top 10 crude oil producing countries in the world and the fifth biggest investor in the energy industry in the world, has announced its plans to focus on renewable energy sources by producing 1,500 MW from wind power by the year 2015 and developing solar and hydraulic energy projects.
The Commissioner of Generación de la Corporacióon Eléctrica Nacional Corpoelex, a body that implements the policies rolled out by the energy ministry, Felix Rodriguez said that the country intends to build wind farms to produce 1,500 MW power in five more years. He added that the wind farms will be located near the high wind coastalareas. He concluded saying that the government will install its first solar power producing plant in Tuy del Valles, near Santa Lucía town.
Petroleos de Venezuela (PDV), the government-owned oil producing company, noted that the proposed wind farm is anticipated to produce up to 100 MW when it starts to run at full capacity. The company is importing 24 wind turbines from Gamesa, a leading wind power company in Spain.
The Venezuelan government has also put forth plans for the construction of small wind and hydraulic farms for power production, as the country’s hydroelectric projects have suffered a major setback due to massive droughts in the last few years.