In 2023, Nicaragua's electricity consumption is primarily supplied by low-carbon sources, accounting for more than half of the country's electricity generation. Biofuels contribute almost a sixth, while geothermal and hydropower each provide around an eighth of the electricity, making them significant players in the low-carbon portfolio. Wind energy also plays a crucial role, supplying a tenth of the electricity. Fossil fuels compose a little more than a quarter of the total consumption, which indicates a reliance that could be seen as problematic given the global shift towards sustainable energy sources. Net imports add another fifth to the electricity consumed, highlighting a reliance on neighboring regions to meet energy needs.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Nicaragua?
Electricity consumption in Nicaragua is on a slight upward trend, with the latest data in 2023 showing an increase to 806 kWh per person from the previous high of 799 kWh per person in 2022. Despite this progress, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a decline, evident in the decrease to 413 kWh per person from the record of 438 kWh per person in 2021. This reduction in low-carbon energy production is concerning, especially in light of the global push for clean energy transitions. It points to a potential issue in scaling up sustainable sources to keep pace with growing electricity demands.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Nicaragua could significantly benefit from expanding its existing wind capacity due to its current contribution and potential for growth. Learning from regions like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind energy generates over half of their electricity, could provide valuable insights into achieving a similar success. Furthermore, integrating solar energy could also be highly beneficial, taking cues from Lebanon and Nevada, where solar contributes about a third of their electricity. On the global front, adopting nuclear energy strategies from countries like France or Slovakia, where nuclear accounts for a substantial majority of their electricity, would ensure a reliable and sustainable increase in low-carbon power generation.
History
In terms of historical trends, Nicaragua has experienced various shifts in its low-carbon electricity generation over the decades. In the early stages, hydroelectric power saw fluctuations, with mild increases and decreases from the 1970s through the early 2000s. Geothermal energy began contributing in the mid-1980s and saw incremental growth into the 2010s. Notably, the introduction of wind and biofuels in the 2000s marked diversification in low-carbon sources. Since the early 2010s, these smaller yet crucial advancements have helped shape Nicaragua's low-carbon energy profile. To sustain and build upon these gains, continuous investment and innovation in green technologies remain imperative.
