Nicaragua's electricity generation in 2023 reveals a significant reliance on low-carbon energy sources. More than half of the country's electricity is derived from clean energy, with biofuels, geothermal, hydropower, and wind making substantial contributions. Biofuels account for around 16% of the energy mix, followed closely by geothermal at approximately 13%, and hydropower and wind making up about 12% and 10% respectively. Meanwhile, fossil fuels contribute to roughly 28% of the electricity generation, which indicates a significant dependency on non-renewable sources. Additionally, the country imports about 21% of its energy. This distribution underlines Nicaragua's commitment to low-carbon energy sources, positioning it strategically as it navigates future energy demands.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Nicaragua?
Regarding electricity growth, Nicaragua is experiencing a modest increase in consumption. The current figure stands at 806 kWh per person, which represents a slight growth from the previous record of 799 kWh per person in 2022. Although the overall consumption has increased slightly, low-carbon electricity generation per person shows a concerning decline, down to 413 kWh from the record 438 kWh in 2021. This reduction in clean electricity is troubling, as it runs contrary to the urgent global agenda of increasing clean energy to mitigate climate change and reduce pollution. Therefore, Nicaragua must accelerate efforts to expand its low-carbon generation capacity to sustain its developmental goals responsibly.
Suggestions
To enhance its clean energy portfolio, Nicaragua should look at expanding existing wind infrastructure, a proven low-carbon energy source in the country. Learning from regions that have successfully increased low-carbon electricity offerings can offer valuable insights. For instance, Denmark and several US states like Iowa and Kansas have established strong wind energy programs, with Denmark reportedly generating 60% of its electricity from wind. Moreover, to diversify further into solar and nuclear, Nicaragua can gain inspiration from regions like California, where solar contributes significantly, and states like France that have excelled with nuclear energy, making up around 67% of their energy mix. Leveraging these examples, Nicaragua has the opportunity to increase its clean electricity generation, ensuring sustainable growth for decades to come.
History
Reviewing the history of low-carbon energy in Nicaragua, there was a fluctuating pattern in its various components throughout the decades. In the 1980s, hydropower saw both increases and decreases, each by 0.2 TWh, indicating an unstable period for this energy source. A notable expansion occurred in the late 2000s and early 2010s with geothermal energy marked by a significant increase in 2012 by 0.3 TWh, and minor increases in wind and geothermal energy in subsequent years. Biofuels also showed growth in recent years, with the latest increase happening in 2021. Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend suggests a positive momentum for low-carbon energy expansion, yet continuous efforts and improvements remain essential for securing a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply.
