What is a hybrid energy system?

Hybrid energy systems combine renewable sources like solar or wind with conventional power sources such as diesel generators. This setup ensures reliable power even when renewable generation is low. These systems are particularly useful in off-grid or remote areas where access to continuous power is critical.

What is Panama's power system like in 2017?

In 2017, Panama’s power system had very large installed hydropower capacity (54% of total capacity) and substantial VRE capacity (45.3%). The generation breakdown was 64% renewable energy (36% run-of-river hydro, 18% reservoir hydro, 8% wind, 2% solar photovoltaics (PV)) and 36% thermal generation (29% oil and 7% coal).

What are the different types of hybrid power systems?

The most common setups include: Solar-Diesel Hybrid: Solar energy is combined with diesel generators, reducing fuel consumption and lowering operational costs. Wind-Solar Hybrid: Wind and solar power complement each other, ensuring more consistent renewable energy production throughout the day.

Are power system operations in Panama still a 'old paradigm'?

Challenge: Power system operations in Panama still reflect the “old paradigm” of centralised, dispatchable generation units. Given the unique physical conditions of VRE sources, challenges emerge for system operation with high shares of variable renewables.

Does Panama have a diesel back-up plant?

The plant ceased operations recently, although this activity is expected to resume in the future. Panama’s electricity market has an 8.1 MW diesel-based back-up plant (Urbalia Cerro Patacón), which uses methane as a by-product of waste.

What are energy storage hybrids & off-grid systems?

Energy Storage Hybrids: Renewable sources, combined with battery storage, ensure that excess energy is available during peak usage times. Off-Grid Systems: Used in remote areas, these systems combine renewable energy with conventional sources to deliver continuous electricity without grid access.