From January to June 2019, 52 environmental impact studies were presented to carry out works on electricity networks and build power generation plants in different areas of Central American countries.
The interactive platform "Construction in Central America", compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData, includes an up to date list of public and private construction projects for which environmental impact studies (EIA) were submitted to the respective institutions of each country.
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.
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.
It is estimated that in 2025 an average 1 MW ground mounted solar energy system will have an average cost of 73 cents per watt, 36% less than the current cost.
Advances in technology and growing experience in the manufacture of solar energy systems are contributing to the gradual reduction of their cost, giving them an advantage over other sources of power generation, such as fossil fuel.
The 380 MW natural gas plant to be built by AES in Panama promises to change the country's energy matrix, and the way energy is generated and distributed in Central America.
The economic flow that has already started with the construction of the gas plant in the province of Colon will be felt not only in the energy sector in Panama, which could become an energy generating and distribution hub in the region, but also in other productive sectors that will benefit from greater stability in energy costs and generate greater dynamism in logistics and shipping.
Entrepreneurs are invited to take part in the sixth edition of ExpoEnergía, to be held from June 7 to 11 at the Convention Center in San Pedro Sula.
The Ministry of Energy, Natural Resources, Environment and Mining (My Environment) in Honduras is convening the sixth edition of ExpoEnergía, to be held from June 7 to 11 at the Convention Center in San Pedro Sula.
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.
An announcement has been made of the launch of a wind power generation plant built and operated by the company Terra Energy in San Marcos de Colón, in the department of Choluteca.
The plant has the capacity to generate 50 MW, with 25 wind turbines and is located south of the capital. The project required an investment of $100 million and was completed before the agreed time, three years.
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.
The government has ratified contracts with hydroelectric, biomass and geothermal power generators for 450 MW, 70 MW and 40 MW, respectively.
A few days before the entry into force of the new General Law on the Electricity Industry, which prevents Empresa Nacional de Energía Eléctrica from making contracts without using a tender process, the Board of Directors of the company has approved the purchase of 560 MW.
With the investment in two new turbines the plant 's lifespan has been lengthened and annual production increased by an additional 26 GWh.
In addition to reducing the high costs of maintenance, the repowering of the hydroelectric station aims to gradually increase its ability to reach a production of 80 GWh per year, with surpluses being sold to the state at a lower price than at present, generating savings of $2.90 million a year.
So far this year the Central American countries have sold 120 GW/h, equivalent to $20 million.
An analysis piece on Eleconomista.net shows the levels of energy consumption of the Central American countries and the ability of each of them to trade their surpluses, with generation depending, among other things, on variables such as the weather.
"Hugo Ventura, Head of the Energy and Natural Resources at the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), said that energy imports for some countries "is a lifesaver" and could be kept up in the future if the conditions are not met to encourage more investment in energy or there are delays in some major projects. "
Renewable energy producers are complaining of indifference on the part of the National Electric Power Company, which has still not signed the supply contracts.
The National Electricity Company (ENEE) is indifferent as to the approval of contracts for renewable energy supply, explained a representative of the sector, Elsia Paz.
" ... We have not seen a willingness on the part of the ENEE to accelerate the process of signing contracts for renewable energy, if it is true, they can not give us a solution overnight as they do with thermal generators, we provide price stability and avoid capital flight."