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 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.
In the past year 440.5 MW were installed, of which 60% correspond to hydroelectric plants and the remaining 40% to thermal plants.
From the "2016 Statistical Report on the electricity subsector", by the Ministry of Energy and Mines:
In 2016, there was an increase in Guatemala's generation park with the entry into operation of several plants and hydroelectric generation plants, as well as cogeneration plants using biomass and coal.
Seven new companies received business licenses as heavy users of the wholesale market in March.
From a Bulletin by the Wholesale Market Authority:
In March commercial ratings were processed and finalized for Renewable Distributed Generators (GDRs by their initials in Spanish) with solar technology, for Granja Solar La Avellana, Granja Solar El Jobo, Granja Solar Pedro de Alvarado each with an installed capacity of 1,000 MW, and Granja Solar Taxisco with an installed capacity of 1,500 MW. Also enabled were the following GDRs with hydraulic technology: Proyecto Hidroeléctrio El Salto - Marinalá with 5,000 MW of installed capacity, Pequeña Hidroeléctrica Xolhuitz with 2,300 MW of installed capacity and Hidroeléctrica Carmen Amalia with 0.686 MW of capacity.
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.
"Of the 4,115 GWh imported from Guatemala to Panama, more than 80% could have been obtained from the accumulated water on Lake Arenal in Costa Rica".
The lack of more and better transmission lines between Costa Rica and Panama prevents the sale of the surplus energy which it is foreseen will be generated in Costa Rica once operations start of the new generation plants Chucas, Torito, Capulin, Reventazón, Bijagua, Orosi and expansion of La Joya.
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.
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.
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):
"... The production of electricity in the six countries amounted to 45,735 GWh, 3.3% higher than in 2012.
Hydroelectric projects and expansion of distribution networks are part of the opportunities that Colombian Power firms are looking to take advantage of in the Isthmus.
There are now three Colombian energy sector companies that have decided to venture into Central America to be part of the development of an activity that still has much room for growth in the region.
The regional electricity market, renewable energy and energy efficiency will be the topics addressed at the event to be held on 27, 28 and 29 August in San Salvador.
From a press release issued by the Salvadoran Association of Industrialists:
The Salvadoran Association of Industrialists, ASI, will be holding the 1st Regional Congress of Energy on 27th, 28th and 29th of August.