Electricity in Honduras in 2021

Honduras' present state of electricity consumption is considerably balanced between low-carbon energy and fossil energy. As of 2021, the Central American country generates roughly 6.2 terawatt-hours (TWh) from low-carbon sources and approximately 5.7 TWh from fossil fuels. This low-carbon energy primarily comes from three sources: hydropower, solar, and biofuels, which account for about 2.7, 1.3, and 1.1 TWh respectively. Compared to the global average of 410 watts per person, this entails a relatively low level of electricity generation, which can potentially leave the population exposed to electricity supply shortages and, in many areas, can hinder socio-economic growth by limiting access to modern conveniences and vital life-saving systems in health care and other sectors.

Suggestions

Honduras has a great opportunity to further boost its low-carbon electricity generation. Expanding their existing solar capacity is a worthy consideration given that it already contributes significantly to the nation's electricity production. By drawing lessons from more experienced countries, Honduras could unlock new heights in green energy utilization. For instance, the People's Republic of China has generated an impressive 523 TWh from solar power, demonstrating the vast potential of this resource. Moreover, countries like Brazil and Mexico, which share similarities with Honduras in terms of climate and geographical features, have also made notable strides with wind and solar energy, generating approximately 94 and 21 TWh respectively.

History

Looking back at Honduras' journey in low-carbon electricity, the late 20th and early 21st centuries were dominated by hydropower. Since 1986, hydropower's contribution has shown a steady increase, with occasional decline periods in 1994, 2001, 2002, 2004, and notably in 2019. The decline in 2019 was compensated by a rise in biofuels generation. More recently, Honduras has seen a diversification in its low-carbon electricity sources. The period from 2015 onwards marked the introduction and growth of solar and wind energy in the country's electricity matrix. These changes reflect Honduras' evolving commitment to harnessing more sustainable and less carbon-intensive energy sources, a trend that should continue into the future for the benefit of its people and the environment.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources