A project for the International Finance Corporation (IFC)

I. Introduction

This report summarizes the wind resource over the country of Bolivia at three heights above ground level (20, 50, and 80 meters) based on the results of sophisticated meteorological simulations completed by 3TIER Environmental Forecast Group, Inc. (3TIER) for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as part of IFC’s ongoing financing of Transportadora de Electricidad (TDE), Bolivia’s largest electricity transmission company.

The results presented in this report shall serve as the basis for preliminary site assessment during the prospecting phase of wind project development. Before making investment decisions about specific project sites, any party wishing to harness wind energy in Bolivia should, as part of its due diligence process:

• Visit the location and review topographical, environmental, or logistical factors that could affect the successful installation and operation of wind turbines or transmission lines (as applicable);
• Collect on-site measurements at wind turbine hub height (varies with equipment) using a properly calibrated meteorological device (anemometer or other) or verify the observed wind resource at a neighboring location from data collected there. To gauge the availability of wind resources with the greatest possible precision, collecting wind measurements over extended periods of time is necessary;
• For off-grid systems, confirm that wind “supply” (times when the wind blows and with what strength) corresponds with anticipated energy demand and/or plan for back-up supply using batteries or other energy sources.
• Consider the long-term variability of the wind resource; and
• Obtain the necessary environmental and engineering permissions from Bolivian government authorities.

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