Nicaragua wants to expand geothermal energy use
San Jacinto-Tizate, geothermal power plant, Ram Power/ Polaris Geothermal Nicaragua (source: Ram Power)
Alexander Richter
6 Dec 2013
The government of Nicaragua is seeking funding with multilateral agencies to conduct studies on the potential for geothermal power generation in the country. So far the named potential of 1,500 MW is only an estimate.
This was stated recently by Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Lorena Lanza from Nicaragua. In a recent interview he said that “funding is sought with multilateral agencies in order to conduct studies on the potential for geothermal power generation in the country and, if its existence, offer them to private investors.
Although there are no official studies indicating that the geothermal potential exceeds 1,500 MW, this still represents almost three times the total electricity consumption of the country. The potential of 1,500 MW is so far only an estimate, and therefore more in-depth studies should be made to confirm or rule out that potential.
Among the twelve potential sites suitable for geothermal power generation in Nicaragua, only two are currently being utilized. The Momotombo plant, with an installed capacity of 25 MW, and San Jacinto Tizate with an installed capacity of 72 MW.
There are three additional sites currently under exploration. El Hoyo – Monte Galán; Casita Volcano – Volcano San Cristóbal and Managua – Chiltepe.
Other possible sites with geothermal potential are located in the volcanic areas of Telica – The Ñajo, Matagalpa, Masaya – Granada – Nandaime (which in turn comprises three major volcanic centers) and Isla de Ometepe.
The government of Nicaragua has expressed its intention to derive up to 78% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2018. Overall potential is estimated at at least 5,000 MW. Nicaragua’s government has expressed interest in generating 78 % of its electricity from renewable sources by 2018, the potential of which is at least 5,000 MW. According to the government, at the end of this year, Nicaragua derives 51% of its electricity from renewable sources.
Source: Energias Renovables
