31 hydroelectric plants by 2013

PANAMA. More than 30 new hydroelectric plants will be functioning in Panama by the year 2013 says a report of the Public Services Authority (ASEP).

Fifteen of the plants are under construction while 16 are awaiting for the their final designs to be completed.

It is estimated that the total investment in the 31 projects is over $2 billion and will provide 1,047 MW of electricity to the national grid by 2013.

Next year, if there are no delays the electric park with its seven small projects will begin to operate, by 2011 another eight hydroelectric plants will be completed and in 2012 another 11 will be finished. Currently, Panama’s electric consumption is 1,120 MW and it is expected to increase to 1, 373 MW by 2013.

The constructions of hydroelectric plants has caused concern among the indigenous people, who believe that they are destroying their habitat.