Argentine-Bolivian consortium awarded study of gas pipeline between Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay

(Caracas, June 7, 2010).- In an international bidding process called by the Bolivian Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy, the Paraguayan Vice Ministry of Mines and Energy, and the Uruguayan Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining, the consortium formed by Quantum,SA; ABS, SRL; T&C, SRL was selected to prepare a pre-feasibility study for construction of a gas interconnection between the three countries.

The consortium is led by the Argentine firm (Quantum) in alliance with the Bolivian companies ABS and T&C. Quantum has extensive experience in developing energy studies and technical-economic simulation models in Latin America. For their part ABS and T&C also have broad experience in environmental, social and regulatory matters.

The selection from the 14 bids submitted was made by a technical committee formed by representatives of the three participating countries and CAF. The deadline for completion of the study is about seven months.

Specifically the study will analyze the various alternatives for a gas interconnection between Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. It will also make recommendations for the energy integration of the nations involved enabling them to take decisions with a multidisciplinary approach to technical, economic, social and environmental factors.

The study, with CAF support in the framework of the Infrastructure Promotion Fund (Proinfra), will provide more elements for analysis of gas infrastructure in the Southern Cone. The study is an initiative of the governments of the three countries, based on the energy integration which they are promoting under the URUPABOL project.

The Proinfra Fund was created by CAF to help improve the quality of Latin American infrastructure projects, giving priority to regional integration or innovative financing schemes.