Enel Panama Unveils Major 60 MW Solar Initiative

• Enel Panama energizes Chiriqui with its largest solar farms, powering over 46,000 homes and boosting local jobs while embracing a sustainable future.

Enel Panama has launched commercial operations at its Baco and Madre Vieja solar farms in Chiriqui province, adding over 60 MWdc to the country's electricity grid. These facilities are the largest solar installations in Panama, capable of powering over 46,000 homes. The Madre Vieja farm has a capacity of 30.88 MWdc and is expected to produce approximately 48.91 GWh of electricity annually, while the Baco plant has a capacity of 30 MWdc with an expected annual output of 48 GWh.

Construction of the solar farms created around 300 jobs, primarily benefiting the local Baru District. With these new projects, Enel Panama now boasts about 162 MWdc of solar capacity across 11 plants. In 2023, its solar parks contributed over 91,600 MWh to the Panamanian grid, which can sustainably meet the energy needs of more than 44,200 homes annually.

What impact will Enel Panama's new solar farms have on local energy and employment?

Impact of Enel Panama's New Solar Farms on Local Energy and Employment

• Increased Renewable Energy Production: The addition of 60 MWdc from the Baco and Madre Vieja solar farms significantly strengthens Panama's commitment to renewable energy, diversifying its energy mix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• Energy Accessibility: With the capacity to power approximately 46,000 homes, these solar farms enhance energy accessibility for local populations, potentially lowering electricity costs and contributing to energy independence.
• Job Creation during Construction: The construction phase created around 300 jobs, providing temporary employment opportunities for local residents in the Baru District. This influx of jobs positively impacts the local economy by increasing income and spending in the community.
• Long-term Employment Opportunities: Beyond construction, these solar farms may offer ongoing positions for maintenance, monitoring, and administration, leading to sustained job opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
• Skill Development and Training: The development of these solar farms might lead to skill development initiatives, providing local workers with training in solar technology and operations, thus enhancing their employability in the growing renewable energy market.
• Local Economic Growth: Increased employment and income from these projects can boost local businesses, such as retail, hospitality, and services, contributing to overall economic growth in the region.
• Environmental Benefits: By displacing fossil fuel generation, the solar farms contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and supporting Panama’s environmental sustainability goals.
• Potential for Future Projects: The success of the Baco and Madre Vieja solar farms could attract further investments in renewable energy, leading to additional projects and a stronger local renewable energy infrastructure.
• Increased Energy Stability: With a larger capacity integrated into the national grid, these solar farms enhance energy reliability, helping to stabilize power supply and potentially reduce blackouts in the region.
• Community Engagement and Support: Enel Panama may engage with local communities to promote awareness and understanding of renewable energy benefits, fostering local support for future energy initiatives.
• Contribution to National Goals: This project aligns with Panama's national energy policies aimed at increasing the share of renewables in the overall energy mix, helping the country meet international commitments for climate change mitigation.