Barro Blanco

With their contribution to this hydropower project in Panama, the lenders and their private sector partner aim to deliver clean, affordable and stable energy to the people of Panama and thereby assist them in their economic growth and livelihood improvement ambitions.

The Barro Blanco project is designed to generate approximately 140,000 MWh per year of renewable, clean, reliable, affordable energy for the Republic of Panama, enough to supply 64,000 households. During its peak construction period, it generated around 250 direct employments in the region. Job creation has continued during operation of the power plant, as approximately 30 professionals operate the facility. Operation of the dam as per its design avoids Panama having to import approximately 180,000 barrels of oil, potentially reducing the emission of up to 67,000 tons of CO² per year.

The project also brings other benefits to the local communities, such as flood control for the downstream communities, access to water for irrigation projects, potential for fish farming projects, access roads, and funding and implementation of other sustainable development programs and projects. A community development program has been executed during the project’s construction and will be continued during its operation in order to ensure that local communities also benefit from the Barro Blanco project.