Central America power watch: Contract addendums, grid clearance, solar license

Honduras’ congress approved renegotiated addendums for 18 power purchase agreements between the government and generators.

Authorities expect the changes to save nearly 30bn lempiras (US$1.18bn) over 18 years with the elimination of what they have labeled as a “spurious” US$0.03/kWh incentive for solar and lower interest payments, among other provisions, congress and Erick Tejada, energy secretary and head of state power company Enee, reported.

The government presented the proposed addendums to lawmakers last May.

Grid clearance

Central America power interconnection commission CRIE authorized Enee to connect dispatch infrastructure to the regional transmission network.

The works are an expansion of the Choloma substation and a 46.6km line between the San Buenaventura and San Pedro Sula Sur substations.

Solar license

Panama’s public services regulator Asep extended HP Solar’s definitive license for the 20MW HP Solar project in Chiriquí province.

The developer now has until June 15 to begin construction and complete work by March 4, 2026, with commercial startup penciled in for a month later.

HP highlighted delays in obtaining approval of the territorial planning scheme.