THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN PANAMA, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE WITHIN THE GLOBAL ENERGY CRISIS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

摘要

This work discusses the basic concepts about the energy efficiency estimation models more used in Latin America. The models discussed are: "The balance of apparent consumption (BAC)", "The Base Energy Balance (BEB)", also called traditional approach, and "The Integral Energy Balance (IEB)". Calculations are performed to find the energy efficiency in Panama using the OLADE's Energy Balances. In addition, the Net Efficiency of the National Energy System in Panama, and the Energy Self- Sufficiency (A??) are calculated. Finally, this paper concludes about the obtained results taking into account the potential sources, the available energy and the consequences arising from the energy dependence in Panama. Problems of energy planning, substitution of new sources and their impact in the national and regional socioeconomic development are also discussed.