The document provides an overview of low-emission energy development strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting Nicaragua's transition towards renewable energy. It discusses challenges and opportunities in the energy sector, including investment barriers and climate change impacts, while emphasizing collaborative efforts to promote clean energy. Key initiatives, policies, and future goals for Nicaragua's energy landscape are outlined to demonstrate its commitment to diversifying energy sources and enhancing electrification.

1. 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

2. Welcome & Introduction
Ana María Majano
INCAE Business School
EWG LAC co-Chair

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5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.)

9. 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

10. 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.

11. Overview of the Renewable Energy Market in Latin America and the Caribbean
Alexander Ochs
Worldwatch Institute

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 1. Renewable Energy Trends in LAC

15. 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

16. Renewable Energy Trends in LAC: Electrification
Population Without Access to Electricity in LAC, 2013
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Central
America
Mexico
Caribbean
Andean
Zone
Brazil
Southern
Cone
Million People
© Worldwatch | Source: ClimateScope 2013

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 3. RE Barriers in LAC & Opportunities to Overcome Them

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. Learning from Nicaragua’s Clean Energy Investment-Attraction Strategies
Javier Chamorro PRONicaragua

29. 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.

30. 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%

31. 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%

32. 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.

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. 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

40. 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.

41. 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.

42. 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?

43. 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.

44. 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.

45. Questions
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46. Survey
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47. Thank you
Alexander Ochs, aochs@worldwatch.org
Ana María Majano, ana.majano@incae.edu
Javier Chamorro, jchamorro@pronicaragua.org.ni
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