Present and Future of Solar Energy in Central America

Although the installed capacity is currently small, strong growth is projected in the region as a result of tenders with prices that favor large-scale projects.

Monday, September 29, 2014

A report by IHS Technology predicts rapid growth of photovoltaic capacity in Central America, which will supposedly reach 22 megawatts in 2018.

In reading this report, it should be noted that the country experiencing the largest part of that growth is Honduras, where multiple large-scale projects have been announced in which we have not yet seen the required economic viability, which casts serious doubts on their actual realization.

The forecasts are different and much more credible for other Central American countries, especially El Salvador, Guatemala and Panama, where there are awards of concessions for projects which must compete in contests defined by prices, for long-term contracts with power distributors in each of these countries.

See the report "Solar Capacity to Surge in Central America, as Photovoltaic Tenders Put Region on the Map".

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More on this topic

Colombians Buy Generators in Costa Rica and Panama

August 2014

The Colombian Celsia has purchased from GDF Suez thermal and renewable energy plants which were operated in Central America by the french company, worth $840 million.

From a statement posted on Celsia.com:

Celsia has taken the first step in its strategy of international expansion with the purchase of assets in the electricity sector in Panama and Costa Rica with an enterprise value of USD 840 million.

Analysis of Electricity Sector in Central America

July 2014

In 2013 63% of the electrical energy fed into the transmission networks in the region was generated from renewable sources.

From a report entitled "Central America: production statistics for the electricity subsector, 2013", prepared by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC):

Intra-Regional Trade in Energy

April 2014

So far this year the Central American countries have sold 120 GW/h, equivalent to $20 million.

An analysis piece on Eleconomista.net shows the levels of energy consumption of the Central American countries and the ability of each of them to trade their surpluses, with generation depending, among other things, on variables such as the weather.

El Salvador Prefers Mini Hydro Stations

May 2012

The concept is part of the "Master Plan for the development of renewable energies" which sets out a strategy in power generation for the next 15years.

A study by the National Energy Council (CNE) in conjunction with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) outlines a strategy for the next 15 years in the development of technologies using renewable resources.

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