Harnessing wind power in Cocle

PANAMA. Panama might soon join European countries like Spain and Germany in using wind power to satisfy some of its electricity needs.

Due to the rising demand for alternative energy sources, many investors have shown interest in Panama’s natural resources to provide electricity for commercial and residential use.

Since 1999, Panama’s Public Services Authority (ASEP) has received more than 16 proposals to explore the use of wind power in the country, all of which have been denied until now.

ASEP has recently announced that it authorized the Panamanian company ENRILEWS S.A. to start constructing the “Toabre” project, to exploit wind resources in Cocle for power up to 225 megawatts (MW). If successful, the project would be Panama’s first ever wind park, in an area (the central mountain range) which studies show is best-suited for wind power generation.

The “Toabre” project was approved after receiving its Environmental Impact Study approval by the National Environmental Authority (ANAM) and after the electricity company ETESA approved a future connection with the Panamanian electricity system.

The wind park will be developed in two phases. Construction for the first phase will begin in the second semester of 2009, and is expected to provide 150 MW by the end of 2010 according to promoters.

After completion, the “Toabre” wind park will be able to supply up to 9 percent of the electricity used in Panama today.