The Guatemalan Ministry of Energy and Mines decided to revoke the license it had granted in early 2020 to the Rocja Pontilá hydroelectric project, in Coban, Alta Verapaz.
On November 4th, Guatemala City will host a regional summit on energy investments in Central America.
From A statement issued by the Government of Guatemala:
The minister Erick Archila has announced that Guatemala will host a summit on energy investment in the countries of the Mesoamerican region which will take place on November 4, convened by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM).
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 Ministry of Energy and Mines is planning a tender for geothermal power generation to complement the renewable energy tenders that have already been announced.
Minister Erick Archila told S21.com.gt that "... we are at the stage of planning and development ... 'For the first time we have projects using other technologies such as solar and wind, which could start in early 2015; this fourth tender will be a complement.'"
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 . "
Enel Guatemala has been authorized to develop and operate for a period of 50 years, the 137 MW hydroelectric project La Cascata.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines has authorized Enel Guatemala to develop and operate for a period of 50 years, the hydroelectric project La Cascata in Huehuetenango. The project will generate 137 MW using the flow of the river Quisil.
Delays in the construction of 45 power plants which have already been awarded are mainly due to social issues and permits.
According to Edwin Rodas, Deputy Minister of Energy, 40% of these projects have been delayed because of financial issues, social problems and lack of permits for easements. Starting May 2015 these plants will have to supply power to Energuate and Empresa Electrica de Guatemala SA (EEGSA).
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 ... ".
In 2012 there were 65 million gallons of ethanol, 80% of which were exported for the development of biofuels, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
The remaining 20% (13 million gallons), remained in the country and was used for the production of alcoholic beverages. One of the industries specializing in the production of alcohol as fuel "is the Bio-Ethanol Distillery, which produces neutral anhydrous ethyl using molasses.
A tender is being prepared for the installation of a 200 MW power plant to generate electricity from natural gas, with an anticipated investment of $380 million.
The tender is scheduled to be released in October. The start of operations could be in 2015.
In an announcement from the Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Edwin Rhodes, it was reported that two companies are already interested in the project and that it will " be an opportunity for greater diversification of the power matrix and could enable prices to be reduced in the medium term. "
The Ministry of Energy and Mines in Guatemala has temporarily authorized hydro power station El Retiro to perform an energy study at the Madre Vieja river.
"The approval is for a maximum period of one year, for the use of the river Madre Vieja, between the following markers: maximum 1.120 meters above sea level and a minimum of 940 meters above sea level, located in the municipality of Pochuta, Chimaltenango", reported Prensalibre.com
The government has reversed its decision to convene a new tender for 590 MW within a month, and will instead respect the minimum period of six months provided for by regulation.
The government would prefer to advance the bidding for projects totaling 590 MW of electricity in the course of just a month, but has stepped back and will follow established procedures allowing six months for the award of a contract as established in the General Regulations on Electricity (RGE in Spanish).
The National Energy Commission (CNEE) has issued new tenders for energy supply, which will take place in April.
Of the 53 bids received in the last tender for 800MW, 35 were out of price range, quoting in excess of $ 0.1175 per kilowatt hour.
"There was some controversy over the fact that suppliers who use coal and gas were not able to stay within the price range when factoring in the cost of transportation and import, which left them at a disadvantage," reads an article on Prensalibre.com.
By 2026, the country will generate 78% of its energy from renewable sources.
The changes proposed to the Generation System Expansion Plan 2012-2026 have already been approved by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM).
In 2012, it is is expected to generate 50.5% from hydroelectric sources, 3.6% from geothermal sources, 3.5% from bunker fuel, 12% from biomass, 9% from the electrical interconnection with Mexico and 21.3% from coal.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) has given the company Generación Limpia ("Clean Generation") the go ahead for the construction of the hydroelectric power facility.
The 'Cuatro Chorros' ("four streams") project is to be carried out by Generación Limpia, part of the Spanish group, Unión Fenosa, and is located in Chicamán, Quiché, western Guatemala.