The Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) continues to support energy generation from renewable sources in Uruguay with the approval of a US$56 million financing package for a 500 Kv transmission line between the cities of Melo and Tacuarembó.

The project represents the first public-private partnership (PPP) for transmission assets in the country and it will expand the electricity network enabling the integration of renewable energy into the grid.

Italy’s Terna SpA will design, construct and supply the project to UTE, Uruguay's state-run electric utility, which will use and maintain the line under an operating lease agreement.

The estimated total cost of the project is of up to US$100 million. The financing package is comprised of an IDB/IIC loan of US$38.1 million and a co-loan of US$17.9 million from the China Co-financing Fund for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The project seeks to strengthen the reliability of the Uruguayan electricity system by accommodating the country’s recent massive shift towards non-conventional renewable energy. The 213 km transmission line will represent approximately 5 percent of today's total transmission network.

It is part of the IIC strategy to optimize its support to countries and private clients engaged in PPPs - risk-sharing structures which are proven to stimulate economic growth and reduce social inequalities in Latin America and the Caribbean.