Central America, Caribbean power watch

IDB placed a US$93mn loan in its pipeline of potential financing to support universal electricity access in El Salvador, targeting 100% coverage with the use of renewables though a national rural electrification plan.

For its part, the country's state power company CEL proposed a budget of US$428mn for 2023.

CEL head Daniel Alvarez (pictured) pitched the number to the legislative assembly’s finance committee where he highlighted the 3 de Febrero hydro (ex-El Chaparral), Talnique solar and Acelhuate biogas projects, and two planned geothermal developments.

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Honduras’ congress authorized a US$250mn loan approved by the Central American Bank For Economic Integration in October to help reduce electricity losses and promote a sustainable energy transition.

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Guatemala’s government issued the regulation for the law published recently that establishes incentives, including tax breaks, to facilitate and promote the import and sale of electric, hybrid and hydrogen vehicles, and electric transportation systems.

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The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) announced the addition of two cities of Saint Kitts and Nevis: Basseterre and Charlestown, to the SolarCity Simulator platform, which was developed by IRENA as part of the Global Atlas for Renewable Energy Initiative to accelerate the deployment of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems in urban areas.