Is Panama suitable for grid-connected wind power?

The suitability analysis for grid-connected wind power shows that Panama’s wind generation facilities correspond to the areas with higher resource (Figure 24), while the areas suitable for decentralised wind remain distant from the main transmission system but within strong resource areas (Figure 25).

Are power system operations in Panama still a 'old paradigm'?

Challenge: Power system operations in Panama still reflect the “old paradigm” of centralised, dispatchable generation units. Given the unique physical conditions of VRE sources, challenges emerge for system operation with high shares of variable renewables.

How is electricity generated in Panama?

As shown in Figure 13, electricity generation in Panama has been dominated by hydropower. Wind and solar generation began in 2013, and reached 625.2 gigawatt hours (GWh) of onshore wind and 71.4 (GWh) of solar PV in 2016 (SNE, 2017a).

How can Panama adapt its energy system?

To adapt Panama’s energy system to this evolving paradigm, a comprehensive plan is needed that considers a rapid growth in demand from the electrification of transport, including from the introduction of expanded metro lines, electric passenger vehicles and electric buses.

What are the energy-intensive industries in Panama?

Energy-intensive industries in Panama include food, tobacco, cement and paper production. Based on SNE (2015), Plan Energético Nacional (2015-2050). 4. COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC SECTOR: The commercial and public sector is the largest consumer of electricity among the four sectors. Consumption reached 2 816 kboe in 2014 (Figure 5).

What are the challenges facing Panama's energy sector?

Challenge: Planning will remain an important cross-cutting area for Panama’s energy sector, as planners must cope with rising variability and uncertainty from the envisaged high penetration of solar and wind generation through to 2050.