Electricity in Nicaragua in 2022

In 2022, Nicaragua's electricity consumption demonstrated a strong emphasis on low-carbon sources, with more than half of its electricity generated from clean energy options. Specifically, biofuels contributed to almost a fifth of the electricity mix, while geothermal energy accounted for over a tenth. Wind and hydropower also played significant roles, contributing similar shares, at nearly an eighth and over a tenth of the total electricity generation, respectively. Despite this robust commitment to clean energy, fossil fuels still provided over a quarter of the nation's electricity. Meanwhile, nearly a fifth of Nicaragua's electricity came from net imports, indicating areas where further domestic production could be developed.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Nicaragua could focus on expanding its established wind energy sector, which is already a crucial component of its electricity mix. Learning from Denmark's impressive achievement of generating nearly 60% of its electricity from wind could provide valuable insights into scaling up this technology. Additionally, Nicaragua could explore investments in solar energy as exemplified by Chile, where 21% of electricity is solar-derived. By observing these successful models, Nicaragua might further diversify its clean energy portfolio, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and bolstering its energy independence while mitigating climate change impacts and air pollution.

History

Historically, Nicaragua's journey toward low-carbon electricity has shown both growth and fluctuations. In the 1970s and 1980s, the country experienced some setbacks in hydropower generation, with occasional drops in output. However, there were notable advancements in geothermal energy during the late 1980s and early 1990s, followed by further developments in the 2010s. The introduction of wind energy in 2013 marked another milestone, as this technology steadily grew in the subsequent years. While hydropower faced periodic decline, biofuels contributed positively in the recent decade. Despite these ups and downs, Nicaragua's continued investment in geothermal and wind energy demonstrates a commitment to transitioning towards a more sustainable electricity generation profile.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources