On October 10, CEPAL held the fifth ROSA online training session for Panama, focusing on “Practical Options for Energy Efficiency in the Water and Sanitation Sector.” This two-hour session was led by Silvia Saravia Matus, Economic Affairs Officer at CEPAL, and featured the participation of water resource experts Diego Fernández, Alfredo Montañez and Pedro Chavarro.
The training began with a welcome to the attendees, followed by a detailed presentation on energy audits and practical cases of operational efficiency. Key topics included load management measures, the operation of pumping systems outside peak tariff hours, and recommendations along with the economic benefits derived from these practices.
One of the key subjects addressed was the use of variable frequency drives (VFD), a technology that improves the energy efficiency of pumping systems, supplemented by practical cases on motor replacement with more efficient options. Additionally, solutions for reducing reactive energy consumption through the use of capacitors were presented, which help increase the power factor of the systems.
The session also included a theoretical section on methane determination and an analysis of practical cases applied in Panama, Mexico, and El Salvador, where examples of the economic and financial evaluation of energy efficiency projects were discussed.
The training concluded with a summary of the key takeaways, followed by an exit survey to assess the session. Through these types of trainings, CEPAL reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainable and efficient practices in the water and sanitation sector, strengthening the technical capacity of stakeholders across the region.
