In 2023, Nicaragua's electricity consumption reflects an encouraging shift towards low-carbon energy sources, with more than half of the country's electricity coming from clean energy types like geothermal, hydropower, wind, and biofuels. Geothermal provides almost 13%, while hydropower contributes close to 12%, illustrating Nicaragua's commitment to harnessing its natural resources for sustainable electricity. Wind energy accounts for about 10%, showing a promising avenue for further growth. Fossil fuels, although still significant at nearly 28%, are less dominant compared to cleaner alternatives. Notably, net imports fill the remaining gap, accounting for about a fifth of electricity consumption, highlighting potential areas for increasing domestic clean electricity generation.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Nicaragua?
There has been a modest growth in electricity consumption in Nicaragua from 2022 to 2023, with an increase from 799 kWh per person to 806 kWh per person. This incremental rise suggests a steady demand for electricity, aligning well with the global trend toward electrification. However, the decrease in per capita low-carbon electricity generation from 2021's peak of 438 kWh to 413 kWh in 2023 is concerning. This decline indicates that efforts to expand the domain of clean energy production need to intensify to not only match but exceed previous achievements. The disappointing drop in low-carbon electricity could hinder projected growth and the capacity to meet rising energy demands sustainably.
Suggestions
Looking forward, to enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Nicaragua could expand its wind energy capacity, which is already contributing significantly to the electricity mix. Learning from regions with successful wind and solar infrastructures, such as Iowa where wind accounts for 60% of electricity generation and Nevada where solar constitutes a third, could be immensely beneficial. Additionally, observing the nuclear advancements in countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy makes up a substantial proportion of electricity, could offer valuable insights. These examples illustrate that diversifying and intensifying efforts in both wind and solar, as well as potential consideration of nuclear energy, could position Nicaragua as a leader in low-carbon electricity.
History
Historically, Nicaragua has made steady progress in developing its low-carbon electricity sector. In the 1970s and early 1980s, fluctuations in hydropower were common, but the late 20th century saw more consistent improvements, particularly with moderate increases witnessed in 1989, 1993, and 2008. The 21st century ushered in more dynamic changes with the introduction of geothermal energy in 2012 and wind energy in 2013 marking significant advances. Subsequent years, especially post-2010, have seen varied dynamics, with both increases and setbacks in wind energy by 2016 and notable advances in biofuels by 2021. The enduring theme is one of gradual innovation and adaptation, underscoring the need for continued commitment, particularly in light of today's pressing climate challenges.
