Nicaragua Consolidates Regional Leadership in Renewable Energy

Nicaragua has demonstrated a strategic vision since 2007 by prioritizing massive investments in electricity generation based on renewable sources, which has allowed it to significantly reduce its dependence on imported oil.

In an international context marked by geopolitical instability and the sustained rise in hydrocarbon prices, this energy policy makes a notable difference, protecting the country from the impacts that force other nations to readjust energy tariffs.

Official data from the Ministry of Energy and Mines, cited by Informe Pastrán, indicate that last January Nicaragua reached a record 83 percent of electricity generation from renewable sources, positioning itself as a leader in Central America in the use of clean energy and far exceeding the regional average.

From 2007 to 2025, Nicaragua’s electricity sector attracted investments totaling 5.54 billion dollars, of which 2.9 billion were allocated to generation—mainly renewable; 1.4 billion to distribution; and 1.1 billion to transmission and fiber optics.

This effort transformed the national energy matrix, which in 2007 relied on fossil fuels for 75 percent of its energy needs, with only 25 percent coming from clean sources, the publication highlighted.

It specified that renewable energy sources currently predominate, with contributions from wind (20.36 percent), biomass (16.62 percent), geothermal (10.15 percent), hydroelectric (6.41 percent), and solar (2.58 percent), while imports represent 27.75 percent.

In February 2026, electricity generation included 139.81 GWh from wind power, 114.11 GWh from biomass, 69.71 GWh from geothermal sources, 44.04 GWh from hydroelectric power, 17.70 GWh from solar power, and 190.52 GWh from imports and thermal sources, consolidating more than 83 percent renewable energy during peak periods.

The diversification of the energy mix has also contributed to stabilizing supply and supporting electricity coverage exceeding 99.7 percent nationwide, marking historic records for the country.

By 2026, the addition of 200 megawatts is projected through investments estimated between US$165 and US$200 million, with projects such as El Hato (67 MW) and Enesolar APAS1 (63 MW).

Other projects are also planned, such as Jaguar 2 (20 MW), Enesolar APAS2 (15 MW), and Enesolar APAS (15 MW), focused on developing solar and wind energy in areas like Malpaisillo, San Isidro, and Darío-Terrabona.

Source: Prensa Latina