Electricity in Honduras in 2021
In 2021, Honduras had a total electricity consumption of about 133 watts per person, which is significantly lower than the global average of 412 watts per person. The low level of total electricity consumption might be causing hindrances to some aspects of development in the country. Among this total, low-carbon energy resources, which include hydro, solar, wind, and biofuels provided almost 69 watts per person with fossil fuels accounting for nearly 64 watts per person. Considering different energy types, hydroelectricity was the leading source with nearly 30 watts per person, followed closely by solar energy at around 14 watts per person. The remaining low-carbon energy was mostly derived from biofuels and wind energy. This power production scenario, while largely low-carbon, should focus more on reduction of fossil fuel-based electricity, specifically coal, which is quite low to start with at just 6 watts per person but still constitute a substantial part of their energy mix. Interestingly Honduras, despite low levels of electricity generation, is a net exporter of electricity.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, the country could focus heavily on expanding its existing solar infrastructure. This could be done by adopting best practices from countries with successful solar programs such as Australia that generates a whopping 147 watts per person from solar. Such countries, though not directly comparable in socio-economic and environmental terms, can help shape effective solar policies for Honduras. Given the tropical climate of Honduras, there is an immense potential for solar power that could be tapped into. Additionally, Honduras could look towards nations such as Denmark and Sweden that have, through careful planning and implementation, significantly pushed their wind energy generation; engaging in knowledge sharing with these nations could greatly benefit the wind energy program in Honduras.
History
Reviewing low-carbon electricity generation in Honduras, it is evident that the country has primarily relied on hydroelectric power since the 80s. Over time, substantial increases in hydroelectric power generation were recorded, for instance in 1988 and 1990 where it jumped by approximately 0.6 and 0.3 TWh respectively. However, this growth was not always steady, with minor declines evident in generations in the late-1990s and early-2000s. In the 21st century, especially since 2015, strides have been made towards diversification; this especially with the introduction of solar and wind energy into their energy mix that resulted in an additional generation of 0.7 TWh within just a few years. Despite a slight dip in hydro power in 2019, it continues to be a significant source of clean energy in Honduras while wind and solar continue to be progressively integrated into the system.