IFC Closes $300 Million Financing to Support the Largest Wind Farm in Central America

Once operational, the 86 wind turbines with an installed capacity of 215 MW are expected to generate 448 GWh of energy per year, roughly equivalent to 5 percent of the country’s total energy demand. Phase II and III was acquired by InterEnergy Holdings, a private company with significant presence in the energy sector in the region and majority shareholder of UEP Penonomé II, SA , a company created to operate this project in Panama .

The project, located about 150 kilometers from Panama City, is the largest grid-connected wind farm in Panama. It is expected to diversify the country’s energy matrix, ease the dependence on imported fossil fuels, lower energy prices, and contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions. UEP Penonome II will displace about 400,000 tons of CO2 per year, roughly equivalent to taking 84,000 cars off the road.

The financing package consists of a US$ 80 million senior loan from IFC’s own account, a US$ 60 million senior loan from IFC’s Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program, a new loan syndication platform that offers institutional investors the ability to passively participate in IFC’s future senior loan portfolio, and US$ 144 million in IFC’s syndicated senior loans from other development finance institutions and Panamanian banks. In addition, IFC will provide a US$ 16 million subordinated loan from its own account.

Panama is one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America. However, investments in infrastructure investments, particularly to increase power generation, have lagged. The Panamanian government estimates that the country’s energy demand will increase by up to 8 percent annually. Rising demand will require investments of around US$3 billion over the next decade to keep up with energy needs.

“IFC has been a long-term partner for InterEnergy, with previous investments that are supporting more reliable energy production in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Michael Bax, InterEnergy Holding Director. “This financing reflects a strong commitment to further developing Panama's infrastructure, particularly clean energy production, as a strategic priority in the country.”

Panama is highly dependent on imported fossil fuels, which represent more than a third of the electricity generated. Another half of the country’s electricity is generated from hydropower plants, making the power sector vulnerable during the dry season. This can result in rationing of power and high electricity cost during droughts.  The project will help increase the energy generated from renewable sources dispatched into the grid and will complement Panama’s hydro based generation since wind resources happen to be significantly stronger during the dry season when hydro production is at its lowest.

“Phase II and III of Penonome will add much-needed electricity generation capacity to support Panama’s sustainable development,” said Gabriel Goldschmidt, IFC Head for Infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean. “The project is aligned with IFC’s strategy to support initiatives that help Central American countries transition to a cleaner and more efficient energy matrix.”

IFC’s committed portfolio in Panama amounts to $686 million, including mobilizations from other financial institutions. In Panama, IFC is supporting financial intermediaries, infrastructure and education, by increasing access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises. It is also supporting renewable energy projects, and the expansion of the Panama Canal, among others.

About InterEnergy Holdings

InterEnergy Holdings ("InterEnergy") owns and operates power generation and distribution companies in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its predecessor, Basic Energy Ltd., led by entrepreneur Rolando Gonzalez Bunster, had 25 years of investment experience and operations in the energy sector with the acquisition and development of over 1,500 MW in the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Panama and Jamaica.

Today InterEnergy is one of the largest investors in the Dominican energy sector in the areas of generation, distribution and marketing. InterEnergy is also a pioneer in the development of renewable energy in the region, establishing the first wind park in the Dominican Republic in 2011, through a partnership between EGE Haina and CEPM in Juancho, Los Cocos, Pedernales Province. The wind farm, which was recently expanded, has a 86 MW installed capacity.

About IFC

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector. Working with private enterprises in about 100 countries, we use our capital, expertise, and influence to help eliminate extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. In FY14, we provided more than $22 billion in financing to improve lives in developing countries and tackle the most urgent challenges of development. For more information, visit www.ifc.org