With the recently awarded contracts and tenders in process, it is estimated that by 2017 the energy matrix will grow by 52%, with hydropower accounting for 41.3%.
Prensalibre.com reports that "...With the contracts awarded, which are for 15 years, the installed power generation capacity will go from 2,519 megawatts (MW) recorded last May to three 3,836 MW. "
The Government has announced the creation of a unit focused on the incorporation of ethanol into the fuel energy matrix.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM), with technical and financial support from the Organization of American States will create a biofuels unit to incorporate a pilot plan to replace 5% of the gasoline used with ethanol.
Luis Ayala, CEO of hydrocarbons at the MEM, said: "The new unit will be attached to the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons at the MEM and will start work in the second half of this year. It will be responsible for the design of all policies, rules and procedures necessary for the implementation of biofuels, especially ethanol, in the energy mix of fuels."
More than 45 power plants which are being built with an investment of more than $1.1 million face social, technical and financing problems.
Prensalibre.com reports: "The works are part of the tenders in the Generation Expansion Plan made in 2010 and 2012 for long-term contracts, which seek to ensure the supply of energy for Empresa Eléctrica de Guatemala (EEGSA) and Energuate ... ".
On September 19 a tender will be launched by Empresa Electrica de Guatemala and Energuate for the long-term supply of 250 megawatts .
The information was confirmed by the Minister of Energy and Mines (MEM), Erick Archila.
According to the director of Regulation at Energuate, Dimas Carranza, the plan is to tender 250 megawatts in 15 year contracts , with operations starting in 2017.
In June a new bidding process will begin to award 200 megawatts of electricity in Guatemala.
This was announced by the chief of Energy and Mines, Erick Archer during his presentation at the investment forum Investment Summit 2013.
Archila said that in 2014 another 200 megawatts will be offered, which would amount to more than a thousand megawatts tendered during this administration.