NICARAGUA: WIREC WRAP-UP AND PLEDGE REMINDER

UNCLAS MANAGUA 000490

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/CEN AND OES - CHILL, FCORNIELLE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG SENV TRGY KGHG KPAO KSCA NU
SUBJECT: NICARAGUA: WIREC WRAP-UP AND PLEDGE REMINDER

REF: A) STATE 26870; B) MANAGUA 374


1. (U) On April 2 the Nicaraguan Minister of Energy, Emilio
Rappaccioli, wrote a letter to the Ambassador to inform us of
Nicaragua's WIREC pledges for years 2008 to 2011. The pledges
include expanding the percentage of electricity generated from
renewable sources from a 2008 base of 27% to 38% by 2011, while
promoting the regulatory and legislative framework to ensure this
result. An informal translation of Rappaccioli's letter follows in
paragraph 3.


2. (U) In our response to Rappaccioli, we will inform him of the
upcoming regional renewable energy seminars organized under the
auspices of the OAS General Assembly's June 2007 Declaration of
Panama.


3. (SBU) Begin text of informal translation:

Dear Ambassador,
I make reference to your letter of March 25 in regard to the WIREC
Conference, which served as a global platform for government and
industry leaders to analyze and share information about the benefits
of renewable energy, and in which local authorities, companies and
civil society from more than 40 countries made significant pledges
to take specific action to accelerate the use of said energy.

In consideration of this, we will proceed to incorporate into the
WIREC database our national pledges, based upon our 2008-2011
national energy sector strategy.

Likewise, I am informing you of our pledges, which the Ministry of
Energy and Mining lists in the following attachment.

My consideration and appreciation.

Regards,
Emilio Rappaccioli B
Minister

Attachment:

Executive Agency: Ministry of Energy and Mines

Principal Objective: To guarantee a secure, reliable and high
quality supply of national energy, promoting sustainable
environmental development of the energy sector.

With the execution of the 2008-2011 plan to expand energy
generation, electric energy generation from renewable energy sources
is to increase from a current 27% to 38% by the year 2011. These
renewable energies include: geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass and
wind.

Promoting the regulatory framework and necessary legislation to
ensure the investment climate for the energy sector.

Promoting the use of biofuels as an energy alternative principally
for substituting diesel consumption in the transportation sector.

Expected Results:
New generation projects based on renewable sources:
Amayo Wind Project (40MW) - 2008.
San Jacinto Tizate Geothermal Project (66MW) - 2010.
Pantasma Hydroelectric Project (17MW) - 2011.
Larreynaga Hydroelectric Project (17MW) - 2011.
Regulatory framework adapted to national needs - 2008.
Approval of a Biofuels law - 2008.

Area Affected: Nicaragua

End informal translation.

TRIVELLI