Expression of Interest For Modernization And Integration Of Generation And Transmission Planning Methodologies

Expression of Interest for Modernization and Integration of Generation and Transmission Planning Methodologies ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION Colombia has significant renewable energy potential, with particular interest in offshore wind power in the Caribbean region. This innovative energy source could not only strengthen the electricity sector but also boost port development, generate employment, contribute to decarbonization, and foster science and technology. Harnessing this potential requires effective coordination among market participants and public entities responsible for energy, environmental, and social interests, as well as careful infrastructure planning, risk management, and administrative synchronization to facilitate energy development. The Mines and Energy Planning Unit (UPME) prepares the National Energy Plan (PEN), a long-term roadmap identifying potential pathways for a sustainable energy transition in Colombia. It is also responsible for the Reference Generation and Transmission Expansion Plan (PERGT), which is indicative for generation and mandatory for transmission. While the PEN covers a 30-year horizon, the PERGT focuses on a 15-year timeframe, prioritizing the expansion projects needed to ensure a secure and reliable energy supply, maximizing user benefits. For coordinated planning, the PEN must identify strategic investments that will be evaluated in detail by the PERGT, especially in electric infrastructure. One of the critical challenges in implementing these plans is the need to align mandatory decisions with public policies to mitigate risks associated with infrastructure delays, implementation difficulties by project developers, and economic, social, and environmental externalities. Traditionally, system expansion planning has been based on a hydrothermal context, but it now requires adaptation to incorporate renewable energy sources (FNCER) effectively into a diversified matrix. The Caribbean region, in particular, presents high offshore wind potential, but its integration will require transmission projects in the STN and STR systems, adding complexity to the planning process. High uncertainty in project execution calls for updating the PERGTs deterministic methodology, allowing for a more flexible approach that assesses diverse and realistic energy scenarios. To address these challenges, UPME is modernizing the PEN with an alternative optimization approach and will launch the "Flexibility Technologies in the Electricity Sector" project, introducing advanced methodologies for flexibility assessment in planning and a computational evaluation tool. In response to these challenges, the World Bank supports UPME in harmonizing planning methodologies to integrate Non-Conventional Renewable Energy Sources (FNCER) into Colombias energy matrix. This support focuses on updating the PERGT and improving the integration between the PEN and PERGT to identify strategic benefits and quantify their impact on the countrys energy sector Tender Link : https://wbgeprocure-rfxnow.worldbank.org/rfxnow/public/advertisement/5985/view.html