Suez Energy Central America announced it will begin construction of three hydropower projects in Panama totaling 118.2 MW as a result of a September 9 electricity auction.
Suez said 100 MW has been sold to Panama distribution companies for ten years from the three projects it will build on the Chigiqui River. Suez is to sell 6,000 gigawatt-hours between 2013 and 2022.
The unit of GDF Suez of France has awarded a contract to a consortium led by Alstom Hydro to supply electro-mechanical equipment to the three hydropower projects. (HNN 9/23/08)
The contract, valued at more than 60 million euros (US$88.7 million), is for supply of turbine-generators and hydro-mechanical and lifting equipment to the 26-MW Gualaca, 34.8-MW Lorena, and 57.4-MW Prudencia projects on the Chiriqui River in Chiriqui Province. (HNN 12/6/07) Each plant has two generating units.
Alstom Hydro, a joint venture of Alstom and Bouygues of France, said the equipment will be manufactured in its factory at Taubate, Brazil. Delivery of equipment is to occur between August 2009 and February 2011.
Alstom Hydro said the contract strengthens Alstom's position in a market where it has been operating for more than 30 years. It has been involved in Panama since the 1970s when the 42-MW La Estrella hydro project came on line. (HNN 9/21/07)
