Bolivia-Chile Electrical Interconnection Study, Second Phase

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), in coordination with the energy authorities of Bolivia and Chile, invites consulting firms to submit proposals for the second phase of the study of the electrical interconnection between the two countries.

The objective is to evaluate the technical, economic, regulatory and socio-environmental feasibility of energy interconnection in a 20-year analysis horizon, quantifying the joint and individual benefits for both electricity systems.

1. Technical scope and central objectives

Energy modeling (SDDP and PowerFactory): Simulate the multi-nodal and multi-reservoir operation of both countries under isolated and interconnected modalities. For Chile, the ≥200 kV" transmission network will be modeled and for Bolivia the ≥69" kV network. Selection of alternatives: Evaluate at least six (6) route and infrastructure options – including Back-to-Back direct current technology – considering technical, economic, territorial and socio-environmental impact criteria. Regulatory and legal framework: Analyze the legislation in force in Chile and Bolivia to propose the legal instruments and network code adjustments necessary to enable the commercial exchange of energy.

2. Key activities and evaluation of the project

Complementarity and supply/demand analysis: Evaluate the integration of renewable resources (solar, wind, hydro) and load profiles to select the three (3) best interconnection alternatives. Conceptual design and grid stability: Define the transmission capacity, compensation requirements, CapEx/OpEx estimation, and evaluate the contribution of the interconnection to resilience, systemic inertia and voltage/frequency control in the face of major contingencies. Multi-criteria evaluation and economic model: Quantify operational savings, GHG emission reductions, and congestion rents through cost-benefit, financial, and sensitivity analyses.

Roadmap and implementation: Formulate an action plan to guide the regulatory, environmental, social, and technical steps required for project execution.

3. Expected inputs and outputs

Unified databases: Simulation files validated in SDDP and PowerFactory, along with editable spreadsheets and methodological documentation.

Conceptual design and multi-criteria matrix: Technical specifications of the infrastructure, cost estimate by country and comparative feasibility report.

Regulatory Report and Roadmap: Diagnosis of the binational legal framework and strategic implementation plan phase by phase.

Note: Interested companies should review the requirements on the BEO Bidder Portal.

Executing unit: Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

IDB project: RG-T4900

Contact: [contact details removed]

Financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).