The Challenge
Power deficit in Panama City caused by a drought
Insufficient water levels due to low rainfall on the Bayano and Fortuna hydroelectric plants in Panama, put the country’s energy supply at risk. The situation worsened by temporary irregularities in the electricity market and delays in the construction of a backbone transmission line. On the other hand, the constant growth of the country’s economic activity, translated into an increase in electricity demand.
To prevent a power generation deficit that would impact Panamanians’ daily lives, both, power distribution companies and the national government needed a safe alternative that could help them with fast and reliable temporary power delivery.
KEY FACTS
- 104 MW of reliable energy
- 70 days installation and commissioning
The Solution
A fast track mobile solution to power the whole capital city
Aggreko was selected thanks to its local presence and proven experience in installing multi-megawatt projects in record times. Local knowledge and global experience offering temporary and economic turnkey energy solutions were key in the decision-making process, as well as the ability to operate in coordination with all parties involved to offer a safe and reliable energy solution.
In record time, a plan was designed and put into operation, using resources and a team of specialists who installed and operated a comprehensive power generation solution capable to support the country’s power system throughout the dry season. Aggreko managed all aspects of the project, including: site selection and preparation, environmental impact studies, generation license, electrical studies, permits, civil works and equipment installation, fuel control, and commercial management of the project in the Panamanian electricity market.
The project had as initial goal of supplying 80 MW for which they were installed:
- 84 diesel generators
- 21 transformers
- 26 fuel tanks
- 2 transformers @ 230 kV
The rapid implementation of the first 80 MW was so successful that Aggreko obtained authorization for an additional 24 MW solution, completing the project with a total of 104 MW of energy.
The Impact
Satisfied Panama’s energy demand in record time
Aggreko’s solution helped to address the deficit that came after the unexpected stop of one of the country’s largest thermoelectric plants. The multi-megawatt solution that Aggreko delivered was installed in less than 70 days, and successfully supplied power to the Panamanian T&D grid during the dry season.