Small Hydro Consulting Engineers

Small Hydro Opportunities in Central AmericaInternational Small Hydro Opportunities WorkshopHydroVision 2002

Small Hydro Consulting Engineers

Small Hydro Opportunities in Central AmericaInternational Small Hydro Opportunities WorkshopHydroVision 2002

Ottawa Engineering is….

• Consultants exclusively in the field of small waterpower facility engineering

• Experience in 20+ countries• 20 years in business• Owner of 2 facilities in Canada• Pre-feasibility studies through to supervision of

construction / commissioning

Small Hydro Consulting Engineers

Small Hydro Opportunities in Central AmericaInternational Small Hydro Opportunities WorkshopHydroVision 2002

Market Opportunities

• Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama

• Energy needs expected to double in the next 5 to 10 years in the region

• Open market concept in place or under development in most countries of the region

• Price is always an issue, but all countries are interested in small RE projects

Small Hydro Consulting Engineers

Small Hydro Opportunities in Central AmericaInternational Small Hydro Opportunities WorkshopHydroVision 2002

Business & Political Climate

• Significantly more stable now than in the ‘80’s & early ‘90’s

• El Salvador has converted to the US dollar

• Some currencies are stable, some are suspect

• Good local engineering and construction experience in small hydro because there are lots of sites

• Significant North American presence in the energy marketplace

• Investment is welcome

Small Hydro Consulting Engineers

Small Hydro Opportunities in Central AmericaInternational Small Hydro Opportunities WorkshopHydroVision 2002

Typical Terms & Conditions

• PPA durations are typically shorter than investors would like

• Approvals typically required from Energy and Environment authorities

• Energy & peak power contracts, and spinning reserve contracts, available in some (but not all) countries

Small Hydro Consulting Engineers

Small Hydro Opportunities in Central AmericaInternational Small Hydro Opportunities WorkshopHydroVision 2002

Discussion