After power outages were banned, Energuate notified generators that there is a possibility of not paying for all the power they have provided so far.
Weeks ago, Congress approved and published Decree 15-2020, which prohibits cuts in water, electricity, cable TV, telephone and Internet services during the state of calamity and its possible extensions, and which came into effect following the outbreak of covid-19 in the country.
With the entry into operation of the fourth phase of the Renace hydroelectric complex in Alta Verapaz, the project has reached a generation capacity of 301 MW.
Representatives of Corporación de Multiinversiones (CMI), owner of the energy project Recursos Naturales y Celulosas (Renace), explained that the fourth phase of the project began testing in September 2018 and went into commercial operation in January of this year.
In Central America and the Dominican Republic, the installed capacity of energy generation reaches nearly 20,000 MW, of which 62% correspond to clean sources.
Figures compiled by the Latin American Energy Organization (Olade) indicate that by 2017 the installed capacity of clean or renewable energy generators, including wind, hydro, solar and geothermal, exceeds non-renewable sources.
Lack of legal certainty, electricity theft and social conflicts are forcing businessmen in Guatemala's energy sector to choose to relocate their investments to El Salvador.
Last year, the companies Applied Energy Services (AES) and Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI), both US and Guatemalan capital, decided to invest $47 million in solar energy projects, encouraged by the facilities offered to the energy sector in El Salvador.
Due to social conflicts and various legal processes, 16 hydroelectric projects have been halted in Guatemala, which together amount to an investment of close to $1.5 billion.
The Association of Generators of Renewable Energy (Ager) reported that power generation projects have been suspended because of conflicts with communities in the zones, consultation processes with indigenous peoples, and orders issued by the Constitutional Court, many of which which have been in response to claims raised by environmental organizations.These projects, for which no light can yet be seen at the end of the tunnel, represent an installed capacity of 460 MW.
In the last ten years the use of renewable energy has doubled in the country, and currently sources of generation of this type represent between 65% and 70% of national consumption.
According to the authorities at the National Electricity Commission (CNEE), the stability that has been achieved in electricity rates and the lower dependence on oil derivatives, is due to the fact that the country is consuming more energy generated through renewable sources.
Last year, 87 environmental impact studies were submitted in the countries in the region, for the construction of power generation plants and works on electricity networks.
Panama is the country in the region where the largest investment is concentrated, with an approximate $1.29 billion in energy projects, corresponding to 32 environmental impact studies submitted to the Ministry of the Environment between January and December 2017.
In 2016, the average cost of 1 kWh in Central America was 13.48 cents, while in Costa Rica, it was 18.47 cents.
A report from the CEPAL indicates that in 2016, the average cost of one kilowatt hour (kWh) in Central America was 13.48 cents, while in Costa Rica it was 18.47 cents; 37% more for industrial consumption of 100,000 kWh.In El Salvador and Guatemala, it was 11.03 and 11.54 cents respectively. In Panama, 10.92 cents.
In the month of July nine companies received commercial authorization as Large Users in the Wholesale Market.
From a Bulletin by the Wholesale Market Authority:
During the month of July, authorization was granted to Mercado Mayorista la Unidad 1 del Proyecto HidroXacbal Delta, with an installed capacity of 29.22MW, and to Generador Distribuido Renovable Hidroeléctrica Cutzán with an installed capacity of 1.95MW.
In May, 56% of energy came from renewable sources, of which 72% was from hydroelectric power.
From the Energy Monitor June 2017, by Agexport: Historical Average Monthly Spot Price (US $ / KWh) The behavior of the SPOT Price for the month of May varied with respect to the previous 4 months in 2017, since at the moment it is the lowest that has been reached in the year, standing at 59.52 USD / kWh.This represents a decrease of 8% in relation to the year 2016. According to historical behavior, during the months of May, due to climatic and generation conditions, the monthly price has always been higher than the annual average.
The electricity distributors Eegsa and Energuate are preparing documents for a tender in the coming months of a supply of 420 MW for a period of 15 years.
Eegsa representatives explained that in one procedure 380 MW will be tendered, in which offers will be accepted with any energy source, but there will be a requirement that generators have at least one year of existence or being constituted.
According to the CNEE the current available power will be able to supply the market for more than 15 years, even in a scenario with increasing demand, therefore it is not recommending new tenders in the short term.
The 'Conclusions' section of the document "Indicative Plans for Generation and Transmission 2016" by the National Electric Energy Commission (CNEE by its initials in Spanish) :
On October 20th and 21st entrepreneurs from the region will gather together in Panama City to discuss issues such as the electricity market rules, new and renewable energy projects.
From a statement issued by the International Symposium on Energy:
This year the 8th. International Symposium on Energy seeks to promote spaces for reflection on energy issues, to help analyze the performance and limitations of developing new projects, build consensus, define the options for the energy market and, finally, develop a social impact using the media.
On october 15th and 16th companies from the sector will gather together in Panama City in order to discuss issues such as energy efficiency, technology and the use of renewable energy in the region.
From a statement issued by the Union of Industrialists of Panama:
Panama, September 18, 2014. The Union of Industrialists of Panama (SIP), in light of energy issues and the implementation of new regulations that will reduce the cost of energy, will be holding from 15th to 16th of October 2014, at the Hotel El Panama, the 7th International Symposium on Energy entitled: "Industry, Innovative contributions to the electricity market.
A total of 32 new hydroelectric projects are being developed in different stages in the country with a capacity to generate 1,128 MW.
Although Guatemala has hydro potential for generating 5000 MW, so far only 18% is being utlised, through the 20 hydroelectric stations currently operating which have the capacity to generate 937.50 MW.
" ... According to an inventory of the projects in the possession of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, last updated on 18 February and which includes projects of over 5 MW, eight projects are under construction with a capacity of 369.97 MW. In addition, 19 projects have been approved but have not yet started construction, having capacity of 648.85 MW, and five more are pending permits and process with capacity for 109.33 MW . "