Termozulia Unit 7 fails six days after grid synchronization

Unit 7 of the Termozulia thermoelectric plant, known as TZ7, has gone out of service, resulting in a loss of 150 megawatts (MW) for Venezuela’s National Electric System (SEN). The unit had been synchronized with the grid on October 6, only six days before its failure on October 12.

Corpoelec is currently conducting a boroscopic inspection of the turbine to identify the cause of the malfunction. Experts note that such inspections are typically used when internal damage is suspected that cannot be seen from the outside. The failure is considered unusual given that the unit had recently undergone major repairs involving imported parts from Houston, Texas, including a one-ton wheel.

The loss of these 150 MW negates the recent boost intended to benefit approximately 42,000 families in the Zulia region. This setback also impacts the government's broader goal of incorporating 1,300 MW into the system by the end of the year to reduce electricity rationing.