Vulnerability to Climate Change of Hydroelectric Production Systems in Central America and their Adaptation Options: Executive Summary

Central America is one of the most vulnerable regions to the effects of climate change. With more than 50% of the electricity generation depending on existing hydroelectric plants by 2015, the region's energy security is heavily dependent on the amount of hydroelectric energy that can be produced and thus on the water flows available in its rivers. In addition, the region still has a significant untapped potential. Consequently, it is critical to determine the potential impacts of climate change on water flows in current and future hydroelectric plants so as to ensure energy reliability and security. This Executive Summary presents a brief summary of the methodology, developed with the contribution of the relevant institutions in the region, for determining the vulnerability of the hydroelectric systems to climate change and identifying possible adaptation measures.