During 2019, 80 environmental impact studies were presented to carry out work on electrical networks and to build energy generation plants in different areas of Central American countries.
The interactive platform "Construction in Central America", of the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, includes an updated list of public and private construction projects that present environmental impact studies (EIS) to the respective institutions in each country.
In the first three months of 2019, 14 environmental impact studies were presented in the countries of the region to perform work on electricity grids and develop power generation plants.
The interactive platform "Construction in Central America", compiled by the Trade 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.
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.
The amount that the state-owned electricity company plans to spend this year in the purchase of energy from private generators is 30% higher than in 2016.
The estimate of what needs to be allocated for purchasing energy from private generators in 2017 amounts to $243 million, and will be the highest amount spent so far by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) in this area.
Actis and Mesoamerica have agreed to sell SunEdison 100% of its interest in Globeleq Mesoamerica Energy, which operates in the area of renewable energy plants.
From a statement issued by Globeleq Mesoamerica Energy:
Actis and Mesoamerica, investment and consultancy firms based in Costa Rica and Colombia have agreed to sell 100% of their combined interest in Globeleq Mesoamerica Energy (GME), a leader in the business of wind energy and solar energy in Central America, to SundEdison. SunEdison is the largest developer of renewable energy in the world.
A proposal has been made for the price per KW / h produced from wind and solar energy in private plants to be established according to a price band in which the maximum and minimum would be below current levels.
It is expected that in February the reform which aims to change the methodology for fixing the selling prices of solar and wind energy from private companies will be put to public consultation, with the goal of creating a more competitive range. This setting only applies to new companies since for existing ones specific prices have been established.
The wind power projects currently under development in the country by national and foreign investors have a combined capacity of 185 MW.
Data from the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) shows that during 2013 energy from renewable sources accounted for 88% of total production in the country. Among the companies currently investing and seeking further development in the energy sector are Globeleq Mesoamerica Energy, Group Ecoenergía and Coopeguanacaste, Tilawind.
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.
SMEs in developing countries could generate jobs and significant growth by taking advantage of the market opportunities offered by clean technologies.
From a report by the World Bank:
SMEs in developing countries could generate significant growth and jobs if they take advantage of market opportunities that offer clean technologies, which reach up to $1.6 trillion.
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 "Chiripa" park in Guanacaste consists of 33 1.5 MW wind turbines and is operated by the consortium made up of the Spanish firm ACCIONA and Grupo Ecoenergía from Costa Rica.
From a statement issued by ACCIONA Energy:
ACCIONA Energía has put the 49.5 MW Chiripa wind farm into commercial service, the company's first in Costa Rica.pa
The installation, owned by a consortium in which ACCIONA holds 65% and local partner Grupo Ecoenergía the remaining 35%, represents a total investment of US $125 million (EUR 92 million at current exchange rates).
Twelve hydroelectric plants and seven wind parks are scheduled to start operations in the next three years, having capacity to generate up to 800 MW.
Of the 19 projects spread across the country, 15 will be implemented by private producers and cooperatives. The largest project, the Reventazón hydroelectric dam, with a capacity to generate 307 MW and supply 525,000 homes, is being developed by the state-owned Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE). This entity is also carrying out the expansion of the Cachi and Rio Macho dams with an approximate generation of 20 MW and 53 MW, respectively.
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. "
A new regulation on quality of electricity includes the interconnection and operation of micro and mini generators using renewable sources for their own consumption.
It will allow users to install on their properties, wind power, biomass and / or solar equipment, in order to meet their own electricity needs and they would be able to deliver surplus production to distribution companies, to be consumed at a later date (kWh Exchange).
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