Honduras currently sources more than half of its electricity from low-carbon sources, with a significant share coming from hydropower, which accounts for close to a third of the total electricity production. Biofuels contribute a tenth to the low-carbon mix, while solar and wind provide nearly one-sixth together, with solar being the larger contributor between the two. Fossil fuels still represent a substantial portion, comprising just over one-third of the energy mix. Despite the notable share of low-carbon sources, the reliance on fossil fuels remains a concern due to the associated climate change and air pollution impacts.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Honduras?
Electricity consumption in Honduras has seen a slight decline in recent years. The total electricity consumption per person in 2023 was recorded at 1120 kWh, representing a decrease from the 2019 high of 1146 kWh per person. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity witnessed a drop, with the latest numbers at 677 kWh per person compared to the 2021 high of 703 kWh. These trends highlight a worrying stagnation in both overall and clean electricity consumption—an issue that requires attention if Honduras is to meet future energy demands and transition towards a more sustainable energy system.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Honduras could look at successful models from around the world. For instance, countries like France and Slovakia have achieved more than two-thirds of their electricity from nuclear energy. Similarly, states like Nevada and Lebanon have embraced solar power, achieving about a third of their electricity from solar. The adoption of nuclear and solar energy can play a pivotal role in significantly boosting Honduras's clean electricity capacity. Transitioning to these energy types can help reduce dependency on fossil fuels and foster a sustainable energy future.
History
Honduras's journey towards low-carbon electricity has experienced various shifts over the decades. In the 1980s and 1990s, hydropower saw several increases, peaking with a notable decline in the mid-1990s. The early 2000s brought about a fluctuating era for hydropower. However, around the late 2000s and early 2010s, there was a resurgence with both hydropower and biofuels seeing increased contributions. The mid-2010s marked the rise of solar energy, which continued to grow, along with wind energy in 2018. While hydropower experienced some setbacks in 2019, it made a significant recovery in 2021. Looking forward, increasing contributions from solar and potentially nuclear could be key to maintaining and growing low-carbon electricity in Honduras.
