Latin America and uncertain place for investors despite its economic growth.

Last week was bad news for foreign investors in Argentina; the question is, will investors in other Latin American countries face similar uncertainties. Currently, countries such as Brazil, Chile and Colombia are experiencing rapid growth, which is viewed with envy by many Western governments. However, like in other prosperous countries throughout the world, the problem of providing secure and affordable, sustainable power supplies is never-ending.

Many countries in the region have opted for Hydro solutions which have met with opposition from environmentalists; others are looking at traditional solutions such as coal and gas. However, some countries have begun to take a late interest in exploiting none Hydro renewable technologies such as solar, geothermal, wave, tidal and wind. Already we've seen Brazil rapidly turned round its power sector so it is no longer the region’s Nigeria when it comes to affordable power supplies.

In Argentina, we are likely to see the countries desperate need for power to be solved in part by the recent discovery of shale gas deposits in the north-west of the country. However, how rapidly it can utilise such discoveries will depend on how all Argentina is viewed by foreign investors, as a result of the recent partial nationalisation of Spain's Repsol. This feature will look at the activities of investors such as International Power and technology providers such as Siemens in providing solutions to meeting the regions power sector needs.
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International Power Chile Plants Inaugurated

29 November 2011

Inauguration of two 150MW power plants in Chile

29 November 2011 ‐ GDF SUEZ and International Power (70% owned by GDF SUEZ) are pleased to announce that the 150MW Andina Thermal Power Plant (CTA) and the 150MW Hornitos Thermal Power Plant (CTH), located in the north of Chile, were officially inaugurated today.
Together the two thermal power plants will supply 300MW to Chile's Norte Grande Interconnected Power System (SING), which mainly supplies power to the Esperanza and Gaby mines located in the north of the country. Chile is an attractive market with demand for power forecast to grow at an annual rate of around 6%. CTA and CTH represent a total investment of around US$900 million, including the cost of building a new 144km transmission line and substation.
The CTA and CTH plants feature state of the art technology, known as "circulating fluidized bed", which allows them to use a range of solid fuels, including up to 10% biomass. This technology helps both to improve the efficiency of the combustion process and reduces emissions.
The two power plants are operated by E-CL, a Chilean power generation company, which is 52.77% owned by International Power. E-CL owns 100% of CTA and 60% of CTH.
Gérard Mestrallet, Chairman and CEO of GDF SUEZ, said: "Our Group is constantly investing in the research and development of new, highly efficient and innovative technologies. Combined with our broad geographic reach and a diversified energy portfolio, this allows us to offer a variety of solutions depending on the conditions of the country where we operate. Chile is an important country for GDF SUEZ in Latin America and this new development shows the Group's commitment to this growing region."
Philip Cox, CEO of International Power, commented: "CTA and CTH are modern, efficient facilities that will help to meet Chile's fast growing demand for power. Both projects are supported by long-term offtake contracts."
Activities in Chile
In Chile, in addition to CTA and CTH, IPR–GDF SUEZ Latin America also has a 63% stake in the LNG receiving and regasification terminal GNL Mejillones and Monte Redondo, a 48MW wind farm which is part of the country's central grid. It is also constructing the 34MW hydroelectric plant Laja I.
About International Power
International Power plc is a leading independent electricity generating company operating across 30 countries with 72,360MW (gross) (42,225MW net) in operation and a significant programme of 15,503MW (gross) (6,561MW net) projects under construction as at 30 June 2011. International Power is listed on the London Stock Exchange with ticker symbol IPR. GDF SUEZ holds a 70% interest in International Power plc.
About GDF SUEZ
GDF SUEZ develops its businesses around a model based on responsible growth to take up today's major energy and environmental challenges: meeting energy needs, ensuring the security of supply, fighting against climate change and maximizing the use of resources. The Group provides highly efficient and innovative solutions to individuals, cities and businesses by relying on diversified gassupply sources, flexible and low‐emission power generation as well as unique expertise in four key sectors: liquefied natural gas, energy efficiency services, independent power production and environmental services. GDF SUEZ employs 218,350 people worldwide and achieved revenues of €84.5 billion in 2010. The Group is listed on the Brussels, Luxembourg and Paris stock exchanges and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Stoxx 50, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe, ASPI Eurozone and ECPI Ethical Index EMU.