5 YEARS OF THE REGIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM

BUN-CA has defined its work agenda in response to Central American regional energy needs and problems. Since 1991 it has been focusing on renewable energy and energy efficiency, and starting in 2004 it began conceptualizing its Regional Energy Efficiency Strategy through the design and implementation of the Regional Energy Efficiency Project for Central American Industrial and Commercial Sectors (PEER), which is implemented by UNDP and financed by GEF (2006-2011).

PEER has set two main objectives:

A development objective:

• Triggering energy efficiency markets related to the end-use of electricity in industrial and commercial sectors in the areas of: lighting, electrical motors, commercial refrigeration, and air conditioning.

A global objective:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions produced by thermal power generation in Central American interconnected national systems.

PEER works in 4 target countries, namely: El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.  Additionally, it shares its knowledge platform with other Central American countries: Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. In attaining these objectives PEER takes into account specific results within the framework of its 3 main components:

1. POLICY COMPONENT
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------It provides support in developing the legal and regulatory framework to remove market barriers to the use of more efficient energy technologies.

1.1 Regional Activities

• “Regional Meeting on Efficient Electrical Equipment Standardization”, attended by policy-making authorities from El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. San Jose, Costa Rica. July, 2006.

• “Exchanging Energy Efficiency Standardization Experiences” of Central American standardization authorities in Mexico, through the support of the Mexican Energy Secretariat (SENER) and the National Commission on Efficient Energy Use (CONUEE). Mexico, D.F. July - September, 2006.

• “Exchanging Energy Efficiency Standardization Experiences”, as requested by the Meso-American Energy Integration Program (PIEM), together with the Mexican Energy Secretariat (SENER) and the National Commission on Efficient Energy Use (CONUEE). Mexico, D.F. July - October, 2007.

• “First Regional Meeting on Conformity Assessment Procedures”, attended by policy-making authorities from El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. San Salvador, El Salvador. June, 2007.

• “Second Regional Meeting on Conformity Assessment” organized by CONACYT/BUN-CA, where National Certification Bodies were strengthened. The Federal Government of Mexico provided technical facilitation through SENER and CONUEE. San Salvador, El Salvador. April, 2008.

• “Regional Workshop on Incentives to Trigger Energy Efficiency Markets”, carried out with USAID/AEA/CCAD cofinancing  and technical support from the Canadian consulting firm Econoler Int.,  San Jose, Costa Rica. October, 2007.

• “Regional Workshop on Energy Efficiency Standardization and Incentives” in Belize City, attended by Central American energy policy-making authorities. November, 2007.

• Participation in Pan American Technical Standard Commission (COPANT CT-152)’s Energy Efficiency Regional Committee plenary session through BUN-CA Director of Operations and INTECO expert Alexandra Rodríguez, which took place in Río de Janeiro, Brazil.  September, 2007. 

• Participation in Pan American Technical Standard Commission (COPANT CT-152)’s Energy Efficiency Regional Committee plenary session through two representatives from El Salvador (CONACYT) and Costa Rica (INTECO).  Lima, Peru. September, 2008.

• Supported the elaboration of 36 technical standard of efficient electrical equipment in the region.

Similarly, PEER achievements have been presented at various national and regional events:

• I International Symposium on Energy. Panama. October, 2008.
• 4th Industrial Fair of the Salvadoran Industrialist Association (ASI), El Salvador. November, 2008.

1.2.1 El Salvador

• A Cooperation Agreement was signed with the National Science and Technology Council (CONACYT), the National Standardization Body (NSB).

  • Development of 9 Salvadorian Mandatory Standards (SMS) on energy efficiency for electrical equipment at different stages for official enacting, i.e.: compact fluorescent lamps, electrical motors, commercial refrigeration equipment, home refrigeration equipment, air conditioners, fluorescent tube lamps, public lighting, and one-phase motors.

• Harmonization of 4 regional standards in the framework of the IDB/MIF/INTECO Regional Program, i.e:

  • Integrated compact fluorescent lamps, alternating current motors, commercial refrigeration equipment, and home refrigeration equipment.

• Active involvement in the Standardization Committee: CTN-18 on Energy Efficiency.

1.2.2 Nicaragua

• “National Technical Standardization Workshop” conducted by BUN-CA/MIFIC with participation of key players from public and private sectors, Nicaragua. November, 2006.

• “Meeting with Social Organizations in Managua”, leaded by the Nicaraguan Ministry of Energy and Mines and conducted by BUN-CA, where 25 local Nicaraguan actors have been introduced to the subject of Energy Efficiency and Best Practices. April, 2008.

• “Rapproachment to Consumer Advocacy Organizations”, as part of the Conformity Assessment Procedures, cofinanced by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD). February, 2009.

• Active involvement in the Standardization Committee: two compact fluorescent lamp standards, one squirrel-cage electric motor standard, and three home refrigerator and freezer standards, approved on January 25, 2009.

1.2.3 Costa Rica

• Agreement with the Costa Rican Institute of Technical Standards through an IDB/MIF inititative to develop 15 technical standards for efficient electrical equipment, compact fluorescent lamps, air conditioners, electrical motors, commercial refrigeration, and home electric refrigerators.

• “National Technical Standard Presentation Workshop” conducted by BUN-CA/INTECO with participation of key public and private sector actors, equipment vendors, and the financial sector, who were aware of energy efficiency standards developed in San Jose, Costa Rica. July, 2008.

• Active involvement in the Standardization Committee: CTN-18 on Energy Efficiency.

1.2.4 Panamá

• First Energy Efficiency (EE) meeting “Standardization Alternatives”, covering standardization and labeling issues and the importance of developing the EE Laboratory Infrastructure, organized by the Panamanian Industrialist Union and conducted by CONUEE thanks to the international cooperation of the Federal Government of Mexico, June 2008.

• Second Energy Efficiency meeting “Standardization Alternatives”, co-sponsored by the Panamanian Industrialist Union, October, 2008.

• Active involvement in the National Standardization Committee to develop technical regulations on Compact Fluorescent Lamps.

• Motivation and facilitation in starting the process to develop technical standards for Air Conditioners, together with policy-making authorities in Panama.

POLICY COMPONENT MAJOR RESULTS

• Table No. 1 shows legislation status at the regional level concerning efficient use of electricity and actions taken by PEER: 

Table No. 1 Status of Bills of at the Regional Level

• The Policy Component framework, as shown on Table No. 2, includes the overall status of Energy Efficiency Standards at the regional level and Conformity Assessment Procedures (CAP) achievements.

Table No. 2 National Quality System Development at Country Level

• The “Energy Efficiency Policy Strategy for the Electric Sector in Central America and Dominican Republic” was developed together with CCAD/BUN-CA, and approved by the Ministers of Energy and Environment in October, 2006.

2. TRAINING COMPONENT
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It strengthens institutional and individual capacities in supporting energy efficiency market development in the Central American region.

2.1 Regional Activities

• “First University Academic Training Workshop”. Thirty four (34) experts were trained in harmonizing energy efficiency concepts, energy audits, and standardization (23 professors from the region, 9 representatives of institutions, and 2 BUN-CA representatives). Panama. March, 2007.

• “Second University Academic Training Workshop”. Thirty (30) experts were trained in Lighting System energy saving (21 university professors from the region, 3 representatives of institutions, and 6 BUN-CA representatives). Costa Rica. December, 2007.

• “Third University Academic Training Workshop”. Thirty four (34) experts were trained in saving energy in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems (16 university professors from the region, 13 representatives of institutions, and 5 BUN-CA representatives). El Salvador. July, 2008.

• “Training for Engineering Firms”. The Training Program was implemented in 4 modules (Energy Audits, Lighting, Electrical Motors, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, and Business Plans), targeting on engineering firms and macro consuming businesses in El Salvador and Costa Rica:

  • 24 participants in El Salvador 2007.
  • 23 participants in Costa Rica 2007.
  • 55 participants in Honduras 2008.
    

2.2 Country-Specific Activities

2.2.1 El Salvador

• SME consultant and technician capacities were strengthened:

  • 23 Eco-consultants were trained in issues of Energy Efficiency, Air Conditioning, and Renewable Energy in El Salvador and Guatemala. May-June, 2006.
  • The technical team at the Export Fund (FOEX) was strengthened on the subject of developing energy audits and EE project financing. June, 2007.
  • 26 consultants and advisors to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) and engineering firms strengthened their technical capacities in motor, refrigeration, lighting, and air conditioning technologies, together with the World Energy Council (WEC). August, 2007.
  • Ongoing technical assistance to 9 SME’s, including 4 public sector facilities in El Salvador.

• A Training Program targeted on SME consultants was implemented:
  • I Workshop on “Energy Efficiency in Nicaraguan Small and Medium Enterprises”: 15 professionals were trained in EE, focusing on the identification of Energy Conservation Opportunities (ECOs) in lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration, and electrical motor technologies. Six (6) SME’s have already executed their Energy Audits. June, 2007.
  • II Workshop on “Energy Efficiency in Nicaraguan Small and Medium Enterprises”: Twenty (20) persons were trained in EE emphasizing identification of ECO’s in refrigeration technology. Four (4) SME’s have had their Energy Audits. September, 2008.
    
    
• Twenty (20) members of the Nicaraguan Chamber of Industries (CADIN) were made aware of Energy Efficiency issues. March, 2007.

2.2.3 Costa Rica

• “National Workshop for Presentation of BUN-CA/INTECO Standards”, attended by 58 key local actors from the public and private sectors and equipment vendors. Costa Rica. July, 2008.

• Direct technical assistance was provided to 23 SME’s in the hotel sector, as an important commercial sub-sector, where Energy Audits have been carried out and improvement opportunities were identified in their electrical equipment, as well as best practices in the efficient use of electric power.

2.2.4 Panamá

• Twenty five (25) policy-making and standardization officials have strengthened their knowledge of standardization and labeling issues at the EE Meeting called “Standardization Alternatives” in Panama, conducted by public officer of the Mexican Energy Efficiency CONUEE. June, 2008.

2.3 Project Portfolio

The training component includes strengthening a portfolio of demonstrative project pipeline, where monitoring and follow-up is provided to EE initiatives in macro consuming businesses and SME’s in industrial and commercial sectors, including small hotels within the framework of the so called PEEST Project, cofinanced by the HIVOS Foundation.

Basic benchmarks being monitored include: number of projects, investment required to implement ECO’s, energy savings, energy demand savings, dollar savings, and decrease in carbon dioxide emissions.

Table 03 shows BUN-CA/PEER project portfolio:

Source: BUN-CA, PEER Project 2004-2009

TRAINING COMPONENT MAJOR RESULTS

• Capacities of public officials at Ministries of Energy and agencies in charge of standardization and labeling were strengthened.

• University professors engaged in teaching electrical, mechanical, chemical, and electromechanical engineering in the region were trained through the “Train the Energy Efficiency Trainers” Program.

• A regional portfolio of demonstrative projects was developed.

3. DISSEMINATION COMPONENT
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It creates an information platform and makes this information available to actors involved in the Energy Efficiency Regional Strategy. Major results include:

DISSEMINATION COMPONENT MAJOR RESULTS

3.1 Information Dissemination

• Seven (7) case studies were developed to share successful business experiences in implementing EE measures. Developed case studies included:

  • Universidad Tecnológica of Panama.
  • San Bosco Hotel, Panama.
  • Club de Mar Hotel.
  • Frontera Hotel in Nicaragua.
  • Embutidos Kiener S.A., Panama.
  • ALPAN Best Practices Guide, Panama.
  • Energy Efficiency in the Hotel Sector – Costa Rican Experience.

• EE information dissemination was strengthened in the Central American region and at the international level through the BUN-CA/PEER web site and its Electronic Newsletter, which is distributed to 1,754 contacts in the Data Base: 1,669 in Spanish and 85 in English.

• Support was provided in designing, publishing and dissemination of the “Energy Efficiency Policy Strategy for the Electric Sector in Central America and Dominican Republic”.

• Four (4) EE technical manuals and four (4) booklets were developed for final review on the following technologies:

Table No. 4  List of Manuals and Booklets

• New sources of information were created on the subjects of Energy Efficiency Standardization and Financing through the following publications:
•  “Financing EE Projects in Central America”.
•  “Introduction to EE Standardization and Labeling in Central America”.

• Market study of electricity consuming equipment in Central America:
  • Air Conditioners.
  • Electrical Motors and
  • Lighting Systems.
    
    
• Development of an information CD with the following technical information:
  • Energy Efficiency Policy Strategy for the Electric Sector in Central America and Dominican Republic
  • Introduction to Energy Efficiency Standardization and Labeling in Central America
  • Financing Energy Efficiency Projects in Central America
  • Four (4) Technical Manuals and Booklets on Best Energy Efficiency Practices in the following technologies: Air Conditioners, Commercial Refrigeration, Lighting, and Electrical Motors
  • Case Studies of successful energy efficiency experiences
  • “Train the Energy Efficiency Trainers” Program
  • Course for “Engineering Firms” in Costa Rica and El Salvador
  • “Small and Medium Enterprise Energy Efficiency (SME)” Program
  • Guide for developing Energy Audits
  • CO2  emission reduction calculation
  • Market Statistic

In these 5 years of working in the region, relations have been developed and maintained with different institutions and stakeholders involved in triggering energy efficiency markets.

Two kinds of players are identified in this respect: key actors dealing with facilitation of activities implemented at both the country and the regional level; and institutions that have signed collaboration agreements and work directly with BUN-CA. Table 05 shows key actors and Table 06 lists the institutions that have signed agreements with BUN-CA/PEER:

Table  05: Key Institutions in the Region

Source: BUN-CA, 2009

Table 06: Institutions that have signed agreements with us

Source: BUN-CA, 2009

We would like to particularly thank the financers of this Initiative: