Informe de la evaluacion del proyecto de alternativas energeticas IRHE/AID Panama

Special evaluation covers the period 1979-80 and is based on document review and interviews with USAID/P and IHRE personnel. Due first to too little organization and training during project start up, and second to understaffing of IHRE"s crucial Office of Alternative Energy (OAE), the project is not meeting its objectives. Six new staff members were not recruited as planned and although current staff (5) were trained, earlier attrition rendered staff weaker than before project initiation. Hence, OAE has been unable to organize technical literature acquisitions into a lending library as part of the creation of a proposed center of technical information. However, qualified IHRE and A.I.D. personnel are available to conduct courses for government and private sector representatives on biomass energy, solar heating, wind power, and micro-hydraulic systems. Progress on subprojects has been variable. Regarding biomass, the agricultural waste project has been suspended; reallocation of funds is pending. Economic feasibility studies, conducted in Yaviza, indicate potential for a 300 KV demonstration wood biomass-fueled electrical plant, but no definitive final study has been done. Among the solar energy activities, photovoltaic and water heater subprojects are in preparation, with equipment installation predicted for 1981; air conditioning acquisitions are being arranged. The biogas demonstration project has proceeded with slow regularity; although more funding may be required, staff hiring and training is being improved and installation is expected in 1981. IHRE, independently of the OAE, has selected sites for mini- and micro-hydroelectric plants. Equipment is expected by 4/81; 40 feasibility studies are planned. An OAE master plan to identify Panamanian alternative energy needs and solutions needs to be refined and incorporated into the national energy plan. Project funding is sufficient for the present, but probably not for the long run. Areas with potential but as yet overlooked include ethyl alcohol production and energy conservation. In spite of the dedication of IHRE staff, the project is in jeopardy. Recommendations emphasize needs for staff augmentation, training, and better planning and technical documentation for subprojects.