In 2023, Honduras's electricity consumption shows a strong reliance on low-carbon energy, making up more than half of the total electricity generated. In particular, hydropower is a major contributor, accounting for almost a third of electricity generation. Biofuels, solar, and wind also play vital roles, contributing approximately 11%, 9%, and 6% respectively. Geothermal energy, albeit providing a smaller share, remains a clean and consistent source. On the other hand, fossil fuels still account for nearly 38% of electricity generation, underscoring the need for further transitions to cleaner energy sources to mitigate environmental and health impacts associated with fossil fuel usage.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Honduras?
Despite a firm foundation in low-carbon energy, Honduras's electricity consumption per person has declined slightly, indicating a concerning trend. The current electricity consumption stands at 1120 kWh/person, slightly below the 2019 record of 1146 kWh/person. This trend extends to low-carbon electricity as well, with the latest generation measured at 677 kWh/person, dropping from the 2021 record. These declines might indicate challenges in meeting energy demands sustainably, emphasizing the need for renewed focus and investment in boosting clean electricity production to support future growth and the electrification of more sectors.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Honduras could look towards successful regions with significant contributions from solar, wind, or nuclear energy. The growth of solar energy, as seen in regions like Nevada, where it accounts for a third of electricity generation, could serve as a guide. Advancements in wind technology, such as in Denmark or Iowa where wind provides over half of the electricity, offer viable models for increasing the wind power share in electricity generation. Although Honduras does not currently utilize nuclear energy, looking at countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power makes up a substantial portion of electricity, suggests nuclear could be a pivotal component in diversifying and decarbonizing Honduras's energy mix effectively and sustainably.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Honduras, hydropower has seen various periods of expansion, especially in the late 1980s and early 2000s, with fluctuations in its contribution year-on-year. The early 2000s and mid-2010s also marked significant strides in biofuels and solar energy, paving the way for a more diversified clean energy portfolio. Notably, solar and wind energy entered the mix more recently, with notable increments in the mid-2010s and late 2010s. Such progress highlights a commendable shift towards low-carbon solutions, yet the fluctuating contributions, particularly from hydro, stress the necessity for consistent growth and support for a balanced low-carbon energy landscape to foster long-term energy sustainability.
