Electricity in Honduras in 2023

In 2023, Honduras is predominantly reliant on low-carbon electricity, with over 60% of its electricity deriving from clean energy sources. A significant portion, 33%, comes from hydropower, showcasing the country's strong utilization of its water resources. Biofuels contribute around 10%, while solar power accounts for nearly 9% of electricity generation, and wind energy adds about 6%. Geothermal energy makes up close to 3% of the electricity mix, demonstrating a diversified approach to low-carbon electricity generation. In contrast, fossil fuels still constitute about 38% of the electricity supply, highlighting areas for improvement in reducing reliance on non-renewable sources. The remaining small fraction is covered by net imports.

Suggestions

To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Honduras could look towards international examples of successful low-carbon energy strategies. Countries like Denmark, where wind power contributes over half of electricity generation, illustrate the potential for expanding wind energy. Similarly, embracing solar energy could be key, as seen in Lebanon, where solar contributes to 31% of the electricity mix. For a sustainable and robust energy transition, Honduras should explore complementing its energy matrix with nuclear power, drawing inspiration from France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy provides 68% and 62% of electricity, respectively. By integrating a combination of these technologies, Honduras can significantly decrease its dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate associated negative impacts like climate change and air pollution.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Honduras reflects gradual but significant development. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, hydropower capacity steadily increased, laying the groundwork for the future. After periods of minor fluctuation, this growth was substantially bolstered in 2009 with a combined rise from hydro and biofuels. In recent years, the mid-2010s marked a turning point with notable expansions in solar capacity beginning in 2015 and followed by wind in 2018. Noteworthy advances in hydropower continued into 2021 with a significant increase, indicating ongoing commitment to expanding clean energy generation. Such historical trends emphasize the importance of building upon previous successes to pursue a sustainable and low-carbon future for Honduras.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources