Roundup: Solar bill, hydro repair, renewables center

Bill 605 submitted by Panama's executive to the national assembly that establishes incentives to promote construction, operation and maintenance of solar plants and/or installations has moved forward. The commerce committee approved the proposed legislation - available in Spanish here - in a first debate, the assembly reported. *** Honduras' state power company Enee announced that Consorcio MOS, Astaldi, Sinohydro and Tecnosuelo submitted offers to repair cracks at the 300MW Francisco Morazán hydro, also known as El Cajón and inaugurated in 1985. The work aims to reduce leaks to 60-100l/s from the current 1,000l/s. A decision is expected within four months. *** And Trinidad and Tobago's energy ministry reported the start of work to establish a regional renewable energy center following the recent MOU signed with the US Department of Energy (DOE). The deal falls within the framework of the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas and seeks to foster green initiatives within Trinidad and Caricom. DOE will provide technical support through the US National Renewable Energy Laboratories. The ministry also said a wind resource assessment is underway along the east coast.