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 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.
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.
With 19% endemic poverty, 10% open unemployment and 40% informal employment, and some of the highest electricity rates in the region, Costa Rica is opposed to $1 billion in clean energy investments.
EDITORIAL
By Jorge Cobas González
Meanwhile, the bureaucracy of state-owned companies continues to prescribe first-world remuneration, and continues to protect its privileges following ECLAC development concepts from the middle of the last century, which are utterly out of place today.Because Costa Rica does not have the investment capacity or know-how necessary for the development of latest generation renewable energy projects, even though it has all of the necessary primary conditions: sun, wind, thermal energy.
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.
Between May 2016 and the same month in 2017, 27 environmental impact studies were presented in the countries of the region for development of energy generation projects.
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 in each country.
The National Electricity Company will have to convene a new tender to replace the four contracts for 520 MW of thermal energy maturing between 2017 and 2018.
In 2017 a contract for 80 MW with Elcosa and another for 240 MW with Lufussa will come to an end, while in 2018 a contract for 200 MW with Enersa will be finalised.The National Electricity Company will convene a new contest in which power generating companies based on natural gas, have expressed interest in participating.
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.
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).
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.
On August 20th and 21st energy companies in the sector in Latin America will meet in Managua to discuss issues related to energy management in the countries of the continent.
The Latin American Energy Organization and the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Nicaragua are organizing the event, to be held on 20th and 21st August in Managua.
The government has announced that an international tender for renewable and thermal energy will be held in the coming months under the new energy law.
Roberto Ordonez, secretary in the department of Infrastructure and Utilities (Insep) told Laprensa.hn that "...Purchasing power will be based on the best offers presented by national and international companies engaged in the activity, in thermal renewable energy. "
The delay in the full implementation of the new General Law on the Electricity Industry could cripple projects based on renewable resources up to 475 MW.
An article in Laprensa.hn reports that the new General Law on the Electricity Industry will enter into force on 4 July, and that from that date, "... a transition period starts in which the National Energy Company Eléctrica (ENEE) ceases to be a state monopoly in the generation, transmission and distribution of power, provision of street lighting and charging for electric services. "
The government has announced that it will revise all contracts awarded and projects that are not being run will be reassigned.
State institutions responsible for granting operating licenses to mining, forestry, clean energy generation and hydrocarbon projects, have a deadline of two weeks to complete the collection of all permits, licenses and concessions granted in the past two governments and present a report to President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who will decide whether or not to revoke the licenses that have not been executed in order to reallocate the revoked contracts to new investors.
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.