Energy Low Emission Development

Strategies: A Regional

Overview of Latin America and the

Caribbean and Experiences from

Nicaragua

26 November 2014

Presenters:

Ana María Majano – INCAE Business School

Alexander Ochs - Worldwatch Institute

Javier Chamorro - ProNicaragua

Welcome & Introduction

Ana María Majano

INCAE Business School

EWG LAC co-Chair

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Logistics

1. Welcome & Introduction to the LEDS LAC Regional Platform and the Importance of Energy in Latin America and the Caribbean

Ana María Majano, INCAE Business, LEDS-EWG Co-Chair for LAC

2. Key Low-Emission Energy Developments in LAC

Alexander Ochs, Worldwatch Institute, LEDS-EWG Chair

3. Learning from Nicaragua’s Investment Promotion Age

Javier Chamorro, ProNicaragua

4. Q&A

5. Survey

Outline

LEDS Global Partnership

International initiative aiming to harness the collective knowledge and resources of governments, donors, international organizations, and practitioners in scaling up and strengthening implementation of climate-resilient low emission development around the world.

Launched in 2011, the LEDS GP now catalyzes action and collaboration across more than 120 countries and international organizations.

Energy Working Group (EWG)

The EWG promotes low-emission and climate-resilient development in the energy sector through a work program focused on learning and information exchange, sharing best practices, advisory services, and providing enhanced opportunities for coordination and collaboration.

Objectives Strengthen support for LEDS in energy sector Mobilize capacity and advance peer-to-peer learning and

collaboration on low emission energy development Improve coordination of energy-related LEDS at the country, regional,

and global levels

Energy Working Group Activities

Current work plan, highlights

Webinars:

Events:

• LEDS GP Annual Event, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (August 2014): - Energy Peer Learning Session For African Countries - Energy Sector Strategies and Policy Portfolios Session • LEDS LAC Regional Forum 2013

2015 work plan, highlights:

• Energy Toolkit • Energy Data Crowdsourcing Project • Energy & Development World Atlas • Energy LEDS Training Camp • Energy Policy Development Group

• Best Practices in Gathering and Using Energy Data for LEDS Development (April) • Energy LEDS in Asia (Oct.) • Energy LEDS in Africa (Nov./Dec.) • Energy LEDS in LAC (Nov./Dec.)

LAC Regional Platform

- Launched in 2012 at INCAE Campus in Costa Rica

- More than 250 registered members

- More than 500 participants in face-to-face and online activities

- 3 regional annual Regional Workshops (Costa Rica, Lima, Santiago). Next: 2015 in the Dominican Republic.

- Webpage www.ledslac.org

Energy in LEDS LAC • Energy issues are very important in the regional discussions, including the LEDS LAC

Platform: specific sessions in 2012 and 2013 workshops, 2014 webinars, upcoming case studies.

• Overall, LAC has traditionally been a world leader in the use of renewable energy

sources for power generation (mainly hydro power), with important sub-regional differences, but the use of fossil fuels grew rapidly in the late 1900s.

• Many initiatives on renewables and energy efficiency on the part of governments and local organizations, supported by multilateral development banks, UN organizations, international NGOs.

• The recent development of non-traditional renewable energies (wind, solar,

geothermal, modern biomass) is helping meet important development goals (growth, access, affordability) with a lower impact on GHG emissions.

• There are still important challenges related to investment climate, business model financing, but there are many lessons to share, both on what works and what doesn´t work.

Overview of the Renewable Energy Market in Latin America and the

Caribbean

Alexander Ochs

Worldwatch Institute

Recent Worldwatch Studies on LAC Region

Study on the Development of the Renewable Energy Market in Latin America & the Caribbean, IDB 2014

The Way Forward for Renewable Energy in Central America, EEP 2013 (with INCAE)

Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap Strategy (CSERMS) Baseline Report Caricom/IDB/GIZ 2013 & 2015 (forthcoming)

Overview of Energy Development in LAC Region

1. Renewable Energy Trends in LAC

2. Climate Change Vulnerability & Adaptation Strategies

3. RE Barriers in LAC & Opportunities to Overcome Them

1. Renewable Energy Trends in LAC

Renewable Energy Trends in LAC Electricity Generation by Source in LAC,

1970, 1990, and 2013

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

1970 1990 2013

Others

Hydro

Nuclear

Coal

Natural Gas

Oil & Diesel

© Worldwatch Source: Tissot, OLADE

Renewable Energy Trends in LAC: Electrification

Population Without Access to Electricity in LAC, 2013

0123456789

10

CentralAmerica

Mexico Caribbean AndeanZone

Brazil SouthernCone

Mill

ion

Peo

ple

© Worldwatch | Source: ClimateScope 2013

Renewable Energy Trends in LAC: Trends

Net Renewable Capacity Additions by Source in LAC, 2007–2012

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

GW

solar

geothermal

small hydro

wind

biomass & waste

© Worldwatch Source: MIF, BNEF

Renewable Energy Trends in LAC: Investments

Renewable Energy Investment by Technology in LAC ($B,%)

36.5, 56% 16.8, 26%

8.3, 13%

1.9, 3% 1.5, 2%

0.03, 0.05%

Wind

Small Hydro

Biomass & Waste

Solar

Geothermal

Small Scale Dist

© Worldwatch| Source: MIF & BNEF

Renewable Energy Trends in LAC: Policy

• Renewable energy targets | 10 countries incl. Mexico 35%/2024; Nicaragua 94%/2017

• Policies and measures

– Fiscal incentives incl. tax reliefs/reductions, import duty exemptions, accelerated depreciation | ½ of countries

– Quota obligations | Chile

– Renewable energy tenders or auctions | Brazil, Peru, Guatemala, Uruguay + 5

– Net metering | Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay + 3

– FITs | Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua

– Public funds for renewable energy projects | Brazil, Mexico

2. Climate Change Vulnerability & Adaptation Strategies in the Power Sector in LAC

Climate Change Vulnerability & Adaptation Strategies in the Power

Sector in LAC • Increase in frequency and strength of extreme weather events • Effects

• Precipitation levels and timing • Air and water temperature • Glaciers • Sea-level

• Consequences • Water scarcity, droughts, floods, ocean acidification, storms • Biodiversity loss

• Human impacts • Health, survival of 100,000 of people • Significant economic losses

Power Sector Vulnerability • Climate change affects entire energy supply

chain:

– Water scarcity affects hydro, biomass, fossil fuels & nuclear power generation

• Hydropower 50% of LAC electricity; already decreases due to extreme droughts

– Higher temperatures decrease efficiency for fossil fuels and nuclear power generation; T&D; batteries

– Extreme weather events and sea level rise put infrastructure at risk

– Rising temperatures lead to higher energy demand

Power Sector Adaptation Measures – Longevity of investments

• Assessments of cc impacts on existing and future installations

– In-depth assessments/vulnerability studies of impacts on non-hydro energy sources

• Need to consider forecasted timelines

• Investments should be confined to less exposed locations

– Power sector adaptation measures

• Improvements in weather and storm forecasting capabilities

• High quality standards of installations

• Decentralized energy generation rapid expansion of REs

• Energy storage

• Flood control & coastal defenses

3. RE Barriers in LAC & Opportunities to Overcome Them

RE Barriers in LAC & Opportunities to Overcome Them: Technical Barriers • Lack of available data and information

• Uncertainties regarding the technical feasibility

• Transmission and distribution challenges; on- or off-grid settings

Need for integrated resource planning

• Integrating RE, EE, T&D, storage options

– Assessing complementarity of different REs resources

– Taking into account socio-economic factors and consequences

• Stakeholder consultations

RE Barriers in LAC & Opportunities to Overcome Them: Social Barriers

• Lack of public acceptance/awareness

– Feasibility, economics

– Vested interest in business as usual

– “Not in my backyard”

Need for up-to-date, fully inclusive data gathering and communication

– Need of Full societal costs & benefits assessments

RE Barriers in LAC & Opportunities to Overcome Them: Finance Barriers

• Macroeconomic risks – Political instability, currency risks, credit worthiness

• Inadequacy of financial products

• Underdeveloped financial sectors

Need for financial sector development

• Creation of specific financial products

• Capacity building, training in project financing and risk assessment

• Supporting policies

Learning from Nicaragua’s Clean Energy Investment-Attraction

Strategies

Javier Chamorro

PRONicaragua

Energy in Nicaragua: Past and Presence

- Between June and October of 2007, energy generation in Nicaragua dropped down to 500 MW.

- As emergency actions in 2007 and 2008, the Government of Nicaragua installed thermal plants producing 120 MW.

- Oil consumption for power generation accounted for 35% of the approximately 10 million barrels that the country consumes annually.

- In the period between 2007 and 2008, the Ministry of Energy and Mines developed a strategy to reduce the deficit in power generation while promoting the expansion and diversification of the current energy matrix towards renewable energy.

Energy in Nicaragua: Past and Presence

Energy Generation Matrix 2007 Energy Generation Matrix 2014

49%

17%

16%

10%

8%

Generation Capacity: 1289 MW Rural Electrification: 76.2%

Generation Capacity: 831 MW Rural Electrification: 60%

74%

7%

0% 11%

8%

The Future: National Energy Goals

Energy Generation Matrix 2018 Total Generation Potential

Total Renewable Energy Production Potential: 4,500 MW ‐ Geothermal: 1,500 MW

‐ Hydroelectric: 2,000 MW

‐ Wind Power: 800 MW

‐ Biomass: 200 MW

34%

26%

18%

12%

10%

Hydroelectric

Thermal

Geothermal

Wind

Biomass

Rural Electrification: +87%

Clean Energy Programs and Policies

Law for the Promotion of Energy Generation from Renewable Sources (Law 532)

‐ 100% Exemption of the income tax for the sale of carbon dioxide bonds.

‐ 100% Exemption of the property tax for a 7 year period.

‐ 100% Exemption of the import duties and sales tax on construction materials,

machinery, and equipment.

‐ 100% Exemption of all taxes related to the exploitation of natural riches for a 5

year period.

‐ 100% Exemption of all taxes related to fixed investments on machinery,

equipment and hydroelectric dams for a 10 year period.

Nicaragua has subscribed many programs through Bilateral and Multilateral Organizations for clean energy development and rural electrification, such as:

‐ National Sustainable Electrification and Renewable Energy Program (PNESER) - Inter-

American Development Bank (IDB): the objective was to improve electricity service in Nicaragua by supporting the transformation of the country’s energy matrix and increasing electricity coverage.

‐ Nicaragua Off Grid Rural Electrification Project (PERZA) – World Bank: the program´s objective was to support the sustainable provision of electricity services in selected rural sites in Nicaragua, and strengthen the Government's institutional capacity to implement its national rural electrification strategy.

Nicaragua has also received funding through international cooperation agencies from countries such as:

- Canada - Norway - Switzerland - Spain -Germany - Japan

Clean Energy Programs and Policies

Designing the Program PRONicaragua is the official Investment and Export Promotion Agency of Nicaragua:

• It was created in the year 2002 as a project of the United Nations Development

Program. The Presidential Decree 75-2002 created the Special Commission for Investment Promotion, adscribed directly to the Presidency of Nicaragua.

• Decree No. 12-2011, reform of decree 75-2002: the Agency is granted the

responsability of promoting exports. • The Agency reports to the President of the Republic through the Presidential

Delegate for Investments and Trade Facilitation. • PRONicaragua has the role of Executive Secretary of the Advisory Council for Trade

Facilitation and Promotion. The Advisory Council is composed of 12 Government institutions and 6 chambers from the private sector.

2007

PRONicaragua starts to promote foreign investment

in the energy sector

Designing the Program

Permits and Licenses

Develpment and Construction

Assesment of required infrastructure

Initial Studies

Consultation process with communities

Operation

PRONicaragua´s role with private companies investing in Nicaragua

Preliminary Results

• From 2007 to 2014, Nicaragua has successfully reduced the country´s thermal energy dependence from 74 percent to 49 percent.

• Since the year 2007, generation capacity has grown 55.11%.

• Rural electrification has increased in 16.2%

In 2013, Nicaragua´s success was recognized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Bloomberg, in the second edition of the Climatescope ranking.

Nicaragua placed third among 26 countries in terms of clean energy progress, just

behind Brazil and Chile.

Nicaragua ranked first in two of the four categories: 1. Enabling Framework

2. Clean Energy Investment and Climate Financing

Implementing the Program

• The Ministry of Energy and Mines is the Government Agency that leads the energy sector of Nicaragua.

• PRONicaragua works hand in hand with the Ministry to promote the projects that have been established as a priority to be developed.

• The Agency organizes events in Nicaragua and attends international events to promote the projects.

• The Agency is the institution that welcomes companies interested in exploring investment opportunities in renewable energy and connects them to Government institutions, service providors, and other key actors.

Monitoring, Verification, Reporting

• PRONicaragua maintains constant communication with the Ministry of Energy and Mines to inform about the feedback received by private companies in the process of exploring and/or investing in Nicaragua´s renewable energy projects.

• The feedback received is a tool that enables both the Ministry and the Agency to Monitor and verify the effectiveness of the policies.

• Since recent years, the Agency is working with institutions that study, rank and publish reports on countries and their renewable energy sector.

• The Agency aims to be a key institution that promotes and carries out

actions to improve the business and investment climate of Nicaragua.

Nicaragua’s Clean Energy Future: What’s Planned?

• The Government plans to continue working towards achieving independency from fossil fuels in energy generation and extending the coverage of the National Grid.

Renewable Energy Projects Currently Developing

Name of the Project Type of Energy Estimated

Capacity (MW) Origin of Developing Company

Tumarin Hydroelectric 250 Brazil / Italy / Nicaragua

Hidropantasma Hydroelectric 12 Costa Rica/Nicaragua

El Diamante Hydroelectric 5 Canada

Larreynaga Hydroelectric 17 Nicaragua

Casitas Geothermal 25 USA

Total of MW 309

Nicaragua’s Clean Energy Future: What’s Planned?

• The Ministry of Energy and Mines is carrying out an effort to modernize and strengthen the main legislation that provides incentives for companies that want to invest in the country, which includes consultation sessions with the private sector and Multilateral agencies.

• The Government will continue to promote and attract foreign investment into the country´s renewable energy sector in an effort to continue developing solar, hydroelectric, wind, geothermal and biomass projects.

• Nicaragua plans to be an active player in the Regional Market providing

opportunities for the country and private companies to sell energy in the Central American Electrical Interconnection System.

Nicaragua’s Clean Energy Future: What’s Needed?

Continuous Improvement of

the Sector

Continue working on increasing electrification nation wide to increase the size of

the market, making the country more attractive for large-scale investments in the sector.

Competitive Incentives

Incentives that will continue to attract renewable energy generating companies and also companies that are part of the sector´s value chain.

Green Microfinance

Create incentives that promote green micro financing. These play an important role in the development of clean energy technologies and energy efficiency in

developing countries.

Public Policies Develop policies that encourage the development of offset projects or actions

to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

Corporate Conscience

Develop an environmental awareness campaign in companies that promote the creation of voluntary actions around environmental responsibility.

Nicaragua’s Clean Energy Future: What’s Needed?

Conclusions and Key Lessons

• For a country to be successful in exploiting its renewable energy potential, it has to set a clear strategy accompanied by effective policies and processes that will facilitate the development of projects.

• There must exist an open communication between the agencies and government institutions involved in the process.

• Due to the high risk and high amount of investment required by these type of projects, the Government must present itself as a partner in the development of the project providing guidance and assistance when required.

Conclusions and Key Lessons

• Policies and regulations must be revised constantly in order to maintain the competitiveness of the country.

• The Government cannot rely solely in private investment, it must accompany those investments with projects that will improve the sector. For example: strengthening the National Grid capacity and extending its coverage.

• It is important to identify and work together with organizations that have funding and technical expertise available for countries that are in the development phase of their energy sector.

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Survey

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Thank you

Alexander Ochs, aochs@worldwatch.org

Ana María Majano, ana.majano@incae.edu

Javier Chamorro, jchamorro@pronicaragua.org.ni

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