Venezuela to Boost Methane Gas Supply to Power Grid, Revives Hydroelectric Project

Venezuela aims to bolster its thermoelectric system by incorporating more methane gas, with plans to deliver approximately 2 billion cubic feet to the domestic market by the end of the year. Jannier Viloria, PDVSA's Vice President of Gas, stated that the gas supply is guaranteed and the increased volume will serve not only the electricity sector but also industrial, domestic, and commercial needs.

This move comes as Venezuela continues to grapple with persistent electricity supply failures, particularly in areas outside the capital, Caracas. The government attributes these outages to foreign sanctions and sabotage, while critics and experts point to corruption and a lack of maintenance as primary causes.

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We have a plan to incorporate methane gas for the thermoelectric system. We estimate by December to have a delivery to the domestic market of about 2 billion cubic feet of gas, not only for the electric sector but also for industrial, domestic, and commercial use.

In parallel, Venezuela is reactivating construction on the Tocoma hydroelectric plant in Bolívar state. An addendum to a contract with the multinational company IMPSA was signed to resume work on the project, which is intended to add 2,640 megawatts to the national electricity system. The Tocoma plant is part of the larger Guayana hydroelectric complex.

Construction on Tocoma began in 2007 but faced significant delays and was reportedly 87.19% complete before work halted. The government's efforts to revive such projects highlight its ongoing struggle to stabilize the nation's energy infrastructure amidst economic challenges and political disputes.

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The supply of methane gas is guaranteed 100% in the country.