Panama Increases Electricity Imports

In the first five months of the year the country bought nineteen times more energy than the in the whole of 2012 and in 2015 it is projected that 200 MW will be purchased abroad.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

While it is expected that in the coming years several renewable energy generation projects will start up, Panama is already planning to alleviate possible shortages in the short term by importing energy from neighboring countries.

"...In the past two years, during the dry season, the country has faced deficits in generation. The lack of rain prevented major hydroelectric dams (Fortuna, Changuinola and Bayano) from storing enough water to produce energy during this time.

The government was forced to make contracts with thermal plants in order to overcome this emergency, but it was not enough. The damage experienced by the PAN-AM power plant, which provided 96 megawatts, forced them to take austerity measures to prevent the collapse of the system in the middle of the dry season. "

Laestrella.com.pa reports that "...In light of this situation, the administration of Ricardo Martinelli was forced to spend up to $500 million on strengthening generation plants and meeting the country's demand. For next year, imports will once again be the option for avoiding another crisis. The new government is already contemplating buying 200 megawatts for any eventuality in the season, especially taking into account the fact that an El Niño promises to reduce the flow of rain. "

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