This is the other side of the story on Panama’s hydroelectric projects.

Eight Panamanian projects have been authorized by a UN commission to sell carbon credits on global markets and there are 24 initiatives in the evaluation phase.  As reported in Panamaamerica, the Executive Board of Clean Development Mechanisms of the United Nations Convention Framework on Climate Change, is the body which has authorized eight projects established in Panama to sell carbon credits on the international market.

Another 24 projects are being evaluated, said Cynthia Deville, from the Technical Unit for Climate Change and Desertification of the National Environmental Authority (ANAM). The Panamanian projects represent thousands of tons of CO2 equivalent, ranging from 10 tons to over 300 thousand tons, depending on the type of activity, according to ANAM.

Some companies offer on a voluntary basis between 20% and 30% of annual net sale of credits for the benefit of the community where the project is developed.

Panamaamerica.com.pa published a list of projects which have already been approved:

In 2005 the Algarrobos hydroelectric station was authorized , with 37,213 tons of CO2 equivalent, the hydropower project Dolega, with 12,167 tons of CO2e, the Macho de Monte hydropower project, with about 10, 963 tons of CO2e. Each of these are in the province of Chiriqui.

In 2006 the hydropower station Conception, with an emission of 36,126 tons of CO2e. In 2007, the hydroelectric project in Paso Ancho, 22,233 tons of CO2e. In 2009, wind farm Santa Fe, 172, 877 CO2e.

And in 2011 two projects were added: Barro Blanco with 66,934 tons of CO2e and CEMEX Panama, with an alternative fuels program, with 29, 212 tons of CO2e.