Central America and Caribbean to invest $3.3b in smart grid infrastructure

Facing high electricity losses from theft and challenges incorporating renewable energy onto the grid, Central America and Caribbean region’s utilities will invest $3.3 billion in smart grid infrastructure over the next decade to address these challenges. With the support of international development agencies, several flagship projects are being developed and indicating a start of a growth period.

‘Central America will experience gradual growth in overall smart grid investment, led by the deployment of smart meters across the region,’ according to Ben Gardner, president of Northeast Group. ‘Investment will be driven by the combination of high electricity prices and high levels of non-technical losses — two issues in the region that have not improved over the past decade. Support from international agencies such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), USTDA and others is now helping kick-start projects to address these problems throughout the region.’

In pilots throughout the region, smart grid infrastructure — combined with community outreach — has proven to be the most effective solution to curb electricity theft. In addition to loss reduction, Central American and Caribbean countries will deploy smart grid infrastructure to incorporate renewable energy, helping reduce dependence on expensive fuel imports.

With the region’s strong ties to the United States both geographically and economically, American-based vendors are well-positioned to participate in the growing market. Aclara, Honeywell, Itron and Silver Spring Networks — among others — are already active in several projects. European-based vendors have also developed a presence in the region, including Landis+Gyr (Switzerland) and Ziv (Spain). Landis+Gyr recently won an award to deploy its smart metering solution in multiple countries across the region.

Source here.