SIEPAC
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SIEPAC (Sistema de Interconexion Electrica para America Central or Central American Electrical Interconnection System) is a planned inter-connection of the power grids of six Central American nations. Central America, where few electrical interconnects in currently exist, and those that do are often old and unreliable, has been discussing plans to link the region's electricity grids since 1996. The project entails the construction of transmission lines connecting 37 million consumers in Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Belize, which buys much of its power from Mexico, does not plan to be included. SIEPAC will cost an estimated US$316 million[1] and is schedule for completion in 2006[2].
It is hoped that interconnecting the nations' electrical transmission grids will alleviate periodic power shortages in the region, reduce operating costs, optimize shared use of hydroelectric power, create a competitive energy market in the region, and attract foreign investment in power generation and transmission systems.
SIEPAC will create a 1,125-mile 230 kV transmission line, with a planned capacity of 300 MW between Guatemala and Panama, as well as improvements to existing systems. SIEPAC likely will involve upgrading links and building 230 kV links between Guatemala and Honduras, and Honduras and El Salvador.
The funding for the project has come from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), having pledged $170 million, the Spanish government, offering $70 million, and the Central American nations themselves offering $106 million.
Guatemala's and El Salvador's power grids are currently linked via a 230 kV interconnect, and a separate link connects Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.