During the event, which will take place 1 and 2 October in Panama, there will be discussion of the benefits associated with renewable energy projects in the region.
From a press release issued by the National Environmental Authority (ANAM):
The Energy and Environment Partnership with Central America (EEP) will hold the XXII Regional Sustainable Energy Forum on 1 and 2 October in Panama.
The Government is working on legislation that would facilitate the creation of renewable power plants under 20 MW in the country.
The new rules, which will be ready in six months to a year, are aimed at communities to use their own resources and profit from them, said Luis Reyes, executive secretary of the National Energy Council (CNE).
"Authorities said another purpose of encouraging renewable energy sources is to be less dependent on oil.
The region is analyzing technical and environmental criteria for biofuel production.
Costa Rica's Energy Director, Gloria Vila, indicated that, "as part of the customs unification project we are trying to standardize criteria across all countries relating to biofuels".
Quality requirements for biodiesel have already been unified.
"This means that the requirements should be met by the final product but that each country is free to draw up legislation and choose its raw materials," reports Laprensagrafica.com.
The Energy and Environment Partnership with Central America (EEP) has made these resources available as seed capital for renewable energy projects.
Entrepreneurs interested in developing renewable energy projects can now apply and receive funds to pay for feasibility studies plus assistance in getting loans from commercial banks.
From Elsalvador.com: “Salvador Rivas, regional coordinator of the program, explained that countries also offer tax cuts and benefits for this type of projects”.
The region aims to standardize its energy laws and regulations, to make it easier to develop renewable energies.
Edgar Chamorro, executive director of SICA (Central American Integration Secretary), explained the initiative at the “XV Regional Forum of Central America’s Energy and Environment Alliance”.
He explained “that a Standardization Commission at Sica is working to harmonize regulations related to importing air conditioning devices, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, home appliances and low energy transportation units”.
Nicaragua's energy crisis is growing ever more severe because of the absence of investment in the electricity industry, said Lorena Lanza Espinoza, a senior Energy official.
Nicaragua, Central America's smallest power market, requires some 500 megawatts a day of electricity, but demand is growing by 5 percent a year and the country has no way of meeting it.