Termozulia units reactivated to add 300 MW to Venezuela's power grid

Venezuela is working to stabilize its national electrical system through the reactivation of several thermoelectric units. The Minister of Electric Energy, Rolando Alcalá, announced that the Termozulia 5 (TZ5) unit at the General in Chief Rafael Urdaneta Thermoelectric Complex in Zulia state has been brought back online, adding 150 megawatts (MW) to the National Electric System (SEN).

Simultaneously, authorities are conducting testing protocols for the TZ7 unit, which is also expected to contribute an additional 150 MW to the grid. This unit is intended to benefit approximately 42,000 families across the western regions, including Zulia, Lara, and Falcón. Technical teams are also working on the rehabilitation of other units, such as TZ2 and TZ08, as part of a broader plan to incorporate 1,300 MW by the end of the year.

These efforts come amid ongoing challenges with the national grid, including reports of significant power outages and protests in various regions. Additionally, there are discussions regarding the potential return of Unit 6 at Planta Centro, which could add 600 MW, though experts have raised technical concerns regarding the safety and certification of such a restart.