
Nicaragua is largely dependent on oil for electricity generation: 75% dependence compared to a 43% average for the countries. In 2006, the country had 751.2 of nominal installed capacity, of which 74.5% was thermal, 14% hydroelectric and 11.5% geothermal. 70% of the total capacity were in private hands. Gross electricity generation was 3,140 GWh, of which 69% came from traditional thermal source. [pdf]
Currently, the electricity mix is nearly 50% renewable but the entire energy system is highly dependent on fossil fuels and biomass. This work aims to show potential for a renewable transformation of the Nicaraguan energy system.
In 2003, the CNE elaborated the “Indicative plan for the generation in the electricity sector in Nicaragua, 2003-2014”, which aims to provide useful insight for private investors to orient their decisions on technologies to implement in the country.
Maximum demand has increased in Nicaragua at an annual rate of about 4% since 2001, which has led to a low reserve margin (6% in 2006). Furthermore, demand is expected to increase by 6% per year for the next 10 years, which increases the need for new generation capacity.
In December 2005, two wind-related technical cooperation activities were approved, one for the Development of Wind Power Generation in Isolated Systems and another one for a Wind Power Park Feasibility Study in Corn Island. The World Bank has currently one Off-grid Rural Electrification (PERZA) project under implementation in Nicaragua.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has several projects under implementation in the electricity sector in Nicaragua: In October 2007, the IDB approved US$350,500 for the Support to Power Sector Investment Program. In June 2007, a US$12 million loan was approved for the National Transmission Strengthening for Integration SIEPAC project.
The wind in Nicaragua is strong enough to generate electricity almost half the time, one of the highest rates in the world. At the Amayo wind farm, 30 Indian wind turbines generate 20 per cent of the country’s electricity. This is a profitable venture for their Israeli owners, IC Power.
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