Renewable energy opportunities in Nicaragua for sustainable development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5377/nexo.v26i1.1211Keywords:
Nicaragua, natural resources, renewable energy, assessment, small hydropowerAbstract
This paper originated from a collaboration between the National University of Engineering in Managua (UNI), UniversitàPolitecnico di Milano (PM) and Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (INTUR). Nicaragua has a good potential in natural resourcesthat can be used for renewable energy production. The power sector is strongly dependent on fossil fuels at present, but thegovernment plans to power the country by 94% renewable energy by 2017. The main objective of this work was to perform abrief survey of renewable energy resources in Nicaragua, together with a description of government policies and businessdevelopment opportunities. Secondly, it aimed to give some indications on strategic renewable energy sources, which wouldencourage local development if projects are supported. Part of the research was conducted in Nicaragua, where a series ofinterviews, participation in conferences and visits to power plants were organized thanks to the contribution of the UNI. Theanalysis of the energy market revealed a great potential for hydro, geothermal and wind power. In particular the smallhydropower sector offers good prospects for development, above all in those areas not reached by the national grid, e.g. Cost aCaribe. It was identified that hydro plants in the range of 100 kW to 5 MW are the most appropriate technology to meetelectricity demand in those rural areas without current access to the grid. The abundance of water available, combined with t hecurrent political support for environmentally friendly technologies and the motivation of stakeholders, offers a promisingenvironment for a sustainable energy development in the region.
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