Electricity in Honduras in 2022

In 2022, Honduras primarily relied on low-carbon sources for its electricity needs, with more than 60% of the electricity coming from clean energy. Among these, hydropower constituted almost a third of the total electricity generation, while solar and wind power provided nearly 10% and over 6% respectively. Geothermal energy, though contributing a smaller share, still played a part in the clean energy mix with around 3%. Biofuels accounted for over 10% of the country's electricity. On the other hand, fossil fuels still made up a significant portion, supplying over a third of the electricity. The reliance on fossil energy remains an issue due to its contribution to climate change and air pollution, making it crucial for Honduras to continue increasing its low-carbon electricity generation.

Suggestions

To draw from international experiences, Honduras could look towards embracing nuclear, wind, and solar technologies to further boost its low-carbon electricity share. Countries like Uruguay have successfully harnessed wind power for 36% of their electricity, and Denmark has an impressive 59% contribution from wind. Notably, nuclear energy has been a game-changer for numerous countries; for example, France obtains 67% of its electricity from nuclear power. Emulating such examples, establishing nuclear infrastructure could provide Honduras with a reliable and robust clean energy source. Expanding solar and wind installations would complement this and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, leading to a greener electricity sector.

History

Historically, Honduras has gradually increased its low-carbon electricity capacity, especially since the late 1980s. Early efforts saw an increase in hydropower, with growth in 1986, 1988, and 1990. However, there were some setbacks in the 1990s and early 2000s, marked by occasional declines. The 2000s and 2010s brought more diversification within the clean energy sector. Notably, 2009 saw combined gains from hydropower and biofuels, while newer investments in solar power saw rapid advancements, particularly from 2015 to 2016. Wind power made its mark with a notable increase in 2018. The recent years have shown a steady growth in hydropower, culminating with a significant increase in 2021. The collective progress in various low-carbon sources reveals a positive trend towards a more sustainable electricity landscape in Honduras.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources