Guatemala’s Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) has officially launched the PET-3-2025 tender as part of the Energy Transmission System Expansion Plan (PET-3). This new phase includes the construction of 440 kilometers of transmission lines and 14 new electrical substations, aiming to strengthen the national grid, improve regional connectivity, and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources.
The PET-3-2025 tender involves an estimated investment of up to US $5 billion, in conjunction with the PEG-5-2025 tender, and will allow for:
- A 6% increase in the country’s electricity transmission capacity.
- Enhanced interconnection between key regions such as Petén, Alta Verapaz, Quetzaltenango, and the southeastern region.
- Easier integration of new solar and wind generation projects.
- Expansion of electric service to more than 25,000 new users.
- Promotion of fiscal incentives for clean energy and electric mobility.
Project lot distribution
The project is divided into four lots comprising priority works for the National Interconnected System:
Lot 1:
- New Jalpatagua Substation 230/138 kV, new transmission line Pacífico – Jalpatagua 230 kV, and sectioning of the existing 138 kV Transmission Line.
Lot 2:
- New El Chal Substation 69/34.5 kV and sectioning of the existing Transmission Line.
- New Ixbobó Substation 69/34.5 kV and sectioning of the existing Transmission Line.
- New Livingston Substation 69/13.8 kV and new Transmission Line Modesto Méndez – Livingston 69 kV.
- New Tierra Blanca Substation 69/34.5 kV and sectioning of the existing Transmission Line.
Lot 3:
- New Rumor de los Encantos Substation 69/34.5 kV, new Chitocán Substation 69/34.5 kV, new Transmission Line Chitocán – Rumor de los Encantos 69 kV, and sectioning of the existing Transmission Line.
- New Lanquín Substation 69/34.5 kV and new Transmission Line Oxec II – Lanquín 69 kV.
- New Chichipate Substation 69/13.8 kV and sectioning of the existing Transmission Line.
- New Nebaj Substation 69/13.8 kV and new Transmission Line Chajul – Nebaj – Sacapulas 69 kV.
- New Cunen Substation 69/13.8 kV and new Transmission Line Sacapulas – Cunén – Buena Vista – Santa Cruz Verapaz 69 kV.
Lot 4:
- New Génova Substation 69/13.8 kV with 10/14 MVA and sectioning of the existing Transmission Line.
- New Tecojate Substation 69/13.8 kV and new Transmission Line Acacias – Tecojate 69 kV.
- New Concepción Tutuapa Substation 69/13.8 kV and new Transmission Line Tacaná – Concepción Tutuapa 69 kV.
Execution modalities
The project may be carried out under one of three modalities outlined in Article 50 of the General Electricity Law Regulation:
- By mutual agreement: where the transporter directly agrees to the project terms.
- By own initiative: where the transporter independently requests authorization from the regulator.
- By public tender: through an open selection process of technical and financial offers, which is the mechanism currently in progress.
Key tender process dates
The deadline for submitting inquiries is July 31, 2025. Responses and any potential addenda will be issued throughout August. Technical proposals are expected to be submitted on October 9, 2025, and financial proposals on October 22, 2025.
Only bidders who have purchased the bidding terms, at a non-refundable cost of USD $10,000.00, will be eligible to participate.
