The electrical capacity remains stable despite high consumption

After the energy consumption reached a historical maximum of 2,235 MW on August 30, it decreased in September and by last Thursday, October 12, it was around 2,084 MW.

The highest consumption is recorded between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with the maximum occurring mostly at 2:00 p.m.

Hydropower plants contribute to the largest production in the system with 54%, followed by natural gas production with 23%, and thermal power plants or bunker production with 12%, according to data from the National Dispatch Center.

The electrical capacity remains stable, despite the frequency of the El Niño phenomenon, which could be felt more strongly in the next dry season.

The main deposits in the country showed a decrease in channels compared to previous years, although they did not reach critical conditions.

The one that had the most significant decline is Changuinola.

Zero sales

The export of electricity has been in decline throughout the year, to the extent that there were no sales in June.’

On August 30 of this year, the highest demand was recorded in the power system with 2,235 MW.

The total installed capacity in the Republic of Panama in the first half of 2023 was 3,988.48 MW

Of the installed power, 46.25% (1,844.70 MW) is due to hydroelectric power plants, 33.59% (1,339.65 MW) to thermal power plants, 8.42% (336 MW) to wind power plants, and 11.74% to photovoltaic power plants. with 468.13 MW installed.

In the first half of the year, the production company Enel produced 10% of electricity for public service.

In the month of March, for example, 110,742 MWh were exported, which then fell to 54,413 MWh in April and 15,228 MWh in May.

Imports also fell, reaching a minimum of 1.65 MWh in June.

The restrictions are maintained as a preventive measure against the strengthening of the El Niño phenomenon in the coming months, warned the Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology.

Installed capacity

Gas Natural Atlántico, operating since July 2019, is currently the generator with the largest installed capacity, with 381 MW, followed by Fortuna, operating since 1984, with 300 MW, and Bayano with 262 MW.

The Generadora del Atlántico, of thermal origin, provides 150 MW, while the other thermal energy, Pan-Am Generating, has a capacity of 147 MW.

Next year, the natural gas-powered Generadora Gatún should become operational, and with an installed capacity of 670 MW, it will become the largest power plant in the region.

Esteban Barrientos, general manager of Generador Gatún, estimates that at best they could generate between 30% and 35% of the country’s demand.

He explained that such a facility creates system strength and sustainability.

“At certain times it can help that in times of drought, when we have plant available to the system, the gas that is sold and negotiated every day can be at a lower price,” Barrientos said.

The start of work is expected on July 13, 2024, and the supply of electricity distributors can start from October of the following year.

It was built with an investment of $1.2 billion, and when it goes live, it will create 70 jobs, most of which Barrientos expects will come from Colón.