Paraguay's Administración Nacional de Electricidad (ANDE) is pushing forward with an ambitious Master Plan of Works aimed at reinforcing and modernizing the country's energy infrastructure. According to ANDE President Félix Sosa, speaking to Ultima Hora, the utility expects to reach a volume of $820 million this year through ongoing construction and new tenders.
The Master Plan, currently projected through 2033, outlines a roadmap for high-voltage transmission lines and is updated every two years to reflect changing needs. Sosa noted that the 500 kV double-circuit line connecting Yguazú to Valenzuela is 60% complete. This year, ANDE will also tender a second 500 kV line between Itaipú and Villa Hayes, with financing that includes $260 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), $30 million in cooperation from Taiwan, and counterpart funds from ANDE.
To support agricultural and industrial growth in the Western Region (Chaco), a second 220 kV line is being built from Villa Hayes to Loma Plata, passing through a new substation in Pozo Colorado. Recent inaugurations include the María Auxiliadora substation in Itapúa and a modern plant in Ciudad del Este. The latter uses GIS technology and has a capacity of 400 MW—triple the previous capacity—benefiting Presidente Franco, Hernandarias, and Minga Guazú.
Beyond transmission, Sosa highlighted ANDE's push for digitalization and smart grid technology, with a planned investment of $29 million. This includes scanning 100% of distribution lines nationwide and acquiring one million meters to enable consumption control via a mobile app. With these investments totaling $367 million in works and tenders, ANDE aims to ensure that energy from the binational hydroelectric plants translates into quality service for consumers.