|
|
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| | + | {{CES Country |
| | + | |CES Country Name=Nicaragua |
| | + | |CES Country Capital=Managua |
| | + | |CES Country Region=Middle East & North Africa |
| | + | |CES Country Coordinates=13.0000° N, 85.0000° W |
| | + | }} |
| | | | |
| − | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="0" align="right" style="width: 400px; font-size: 14px"
| + | = Introduction = |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | ! scope="col" colspan="4" style="width: 602px; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(79, 129, 189)" | <font color="#ffffff"><span style="line-height: 20px">Republic of Nicaragua</span></font>
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width: 250px; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | [[File:Nicaragua Flag.gif|center|180px|Flag of Nicaragua|alt=Flag of _____.png]]
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | [[File:550px-Nicaragua (orthographic projection).svg.png|center|180px|Nicaragua Location|alt=Location _______.png]]
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''Capital'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | Managua (12° 9′ 0″ N, 86° 16′ 0″ W)
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''Official Languages(s)'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" |
| + | |
| − | Spanish
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | |-
| + | Nicaragua has one of the lowest electrification rates in Central America, approximately 65%<ref name="IBD,2010">IDB.2010. National sustainable electrification and renewable energy program (PNESER): first loan. IDB. Managua, Nicaragua. 36 p.</ref> of the population compared to 99.2% coverage in Costa Rica<ref name="ARECA,2009">Proyecto ARECA. 2009. Análisis del mercado nicaragüense de energía renovable. Gerencia de Productos y programas de desarrollo, BCIE. Tegucigalpa, Honduras. 137 p.</ref>. About 68% of the rural population still lacks access to electricity<ref name="MEM,rural">MEM.2010. Electrificación rural: descripción general, estado actual de la electrificación rural en Nicaragua. Acceso online 15.10.10 http://www.mem.gob.ni</ref> . In absolute terms, it is estimated that a total of about 340,000 dwellings (1.8 million people) in both urban and rural areas lack electricity service<ref name="INE,balance SIN">_</ref>. |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''Government'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | Presidential Republic
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''President'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | Daniel Ortega
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''Vice President'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | Omar Halleslevens
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''Total Area ''''''<span style="line-height: 21px">( </span>km²<span style="line-height: 21px">)</span>'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | 130,373
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''Population'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | 5,891,199 (2009 estimate)
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''Rural Population'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | <br/>
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''GDP (Nominal)'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | $6.246 billion (2010 estimate)
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''GDP Per Capita'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | $966
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''Currency'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | Córdoba (NIO)
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''Time Zone'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | (UTC-6)
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''Calling Code'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | +505
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''Electricity Generation'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | <span data-scaytid="5" data-scayt_word="twh">TWh</span>/year (year)
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''Access to Electricity'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | <br/>
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''Wind energy (installed capacity)'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | MW (year)
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | colspan="3" style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | '''Solar Energy (installed capacity)'''
| + | |
| − | | style="width: 250px; background-color: rgb(219, 229, 241)" | MW (year)
| + | |
| − | |}
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" align="left" style="width: 350px" class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
| + | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#toc|►Go To Top]] |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | | __TOC__
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | |}
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | <br/>
| + | |
| − | <div style="clear: both"></div>
| + | |
| − | = Overview =
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Nicaragua has one of the lowest electrification rates in Central America, approximately 65%<ref name="IBD,2010">IDB.2010. National sustainable electrification and renewable energy program (PNESER): first loan. IDB. Managua, Nicaragua. 36 p.</ref> of the population compared to 99.2% coverage in Costa Rica<ref name="ARECA,2009">Proyecto ARECA. 2009. Análisis del mercado nicaragüense de energía renovable. Gerencia de Productos y programas de desarrollo, BCIE. Tegucigalpa, Honduras. 137 p.</ref>. About 68% of the rural population still lacks access to electricity<ref name="MEM,rural">MEM.2010. Electrificación rural: descripción general, estado actual de la electrificación rural en Nicaragua. Acceso online 15.10.10 http://www.mem.gob.ni</ref> . In absolute terms, it is estimated that a total of about 340,000 dwellings (1.8 million people) in both urban and rural areas lack electricity service<ref name="INE,balance SIN">_</ref>.
| + | |
| | | | |
| | = Energy situation = | | = Energy situation = |
| Line 86: |
Line 25: |
| | The net electricity offer is around 3,150.98 GWh <ref name="INE, generacion bruta">INE.2010. Estadísticas del Sector eléctrico: generación neta por tipo de combustible. Instituto Nicaragua de energía. Acceso online. http://www.ine.gob.ni (Oct, 2010)</ref>, but 28.4% of the electricity generated is lost during transmission (2%) and distribution (26%), of which 18% are classified as non-technical and the remaining percent as technical.<ref name="MEM,guia">MEM. 2010. Guía del inversionista: invirtiendo en el sector eléctrico de Nicaragua. Ministerio de Energía y Minas, Gobierno de Nicaragua. 62 p.</ref><br/>The load factor of the installed generation capacity is 68.56%<ref name="INE,balance SIN">INE.2008.Balance de energía en el SIN: año 2008. Acceso online http://www.mem.gob.ni (Oct, 2010)</ref>, similar to the load factors of neighboring countries. During 2007 the effective energy supply generation was reduced to less than 500MW due to scant rainfall that reduce the use of hydro electrical power plants, as well as flaws on old generation plants; which causing frequent current outages.<br/>To address this crisis, the Government of Nicaragua decided to install 60 MW with diesel generators, in 2008 60 Mw with bunker generators, and between 2009 and 2010, 120 MW with bunker generators<ref name="MEM,guia">_</ref>. All of those operated with fuel which is sold by the Government of Venezuela at subsidized prices.<br/>With those new additions, the installed capacity is around 1015.6 MW (effective 836.6 MW) of which 66% is petrol, 9% biomass, 11% hydro electrical, 9% geothermic and 5% wind power plants<ref name="MEM,guia">_</ref>. | | The net electricity offer is around 3,150.98 GWh <ref name="INE, generacion bruta">INE.2010. Estadísticas del Sector eléctrico: generación neta por tipo de combustible. Instituto Nicaragua de energía. Acceso online. http://www.ine.gob.ni (Oct, 2010)</ref>, but 28.4% of the electricity generated is lost during transmission (2%) and distribution (26%), of which 18% are classified as non-technical and the remaining percent as technical.<ref name="MEM,guia">MEM. 2010. Guía del inversionista: invirtiendo en el sector eléctrico de Nicaragua. Ministerio de Energía y Minas, Gobierno de Nicaragua. 62 p.</ref><br/>The load factor of the installed generation capacity is 68.56%<ref name="INE,balance SIN">INE.2008.Balance de energía en el SIN: año 2008. Acceso online http://www.mem.gob.ni (Oct, 2010)</ref>, similar to the load factors of neighboring countries. During 2007 the effective energy supply generation was reduced to less than 500MW due to scant rainfall that reduce the use of hydro electrical power plants, as well as flaws on old generation plants; which causing frequent current outages.<br/>To address this crisis, the Government of Nicaragua decided to install 60 MW with diesel generators, in 2008 60 Mw with bunker generators, and between 2009 and 2010, 120 MW with bunker generators<ref name="MEM,guia">_</ref>. All of those operated with fuel which is sold by the Government of Venezuela at subsidized prices.<br/>With those new additions, the installed capacity is around 1015.6 MW (effective 836.6 MW) of which 66% is petrol, 9% biomass, 11% hydro electrical, 9% geothermic and 5% wind power plants<ref name="MEM,guia">_</ref>. |
| | | | |
| − | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#Overview|Go To Top]] | + | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#toc|►Go To Top]] |
| | | | |
| | = Electricity Situation = | | = Electricity Situation = |
| Line 92: |
Line 31: |
| | Nicaragua's power sector underwent a deep restructuring during 1998-99, when the generation, transmission and distribution divisions of the state-owned '''Empresa Nicaraguense de Electricidad (ENEL)''' were unbundled, and the privatization of the generation and distribution activities allowed. A wholesale market was created, which allowed electricity trading through long term contracts between generating companies and utilities or large users (more than 2 MW of installed capacity). A spot market also exists.<br/>Four generation companies (GEMOSA, GEOSA, HIDROGESA, and GECSA) a transmission company ENTRESA and two distribution companies (DISNORTE and DISSUR) were created. Two generation companies were sold and are now privately operated; the transmission is expected to remain public and the two utilities were sold to the Spanish company Unión Fenosa in September 2000, with a concession that covers the Western, Central and Northern zones of the country. The eastern part of the country along the Atlantic Coast remains in the responsibility of ENEL which manages some mini-grids at the Atlantic coastline.<ref name="MEM,agentes">MEM.2010. Agentes productores conectados al sistema interconectado del mercado electrico nacional. Direccion de mercado eléctrico, Ministerio de Energia y minas. Acceso online: http://www.mem.gob.ni</ref> | | Nicaragua's power sector underwent a deep restructuring during 1998-99, when the generation, transmission and distribution divisions of the state-owned '''Empresa Nicaraguense de Electricidad (ENEL)''' were unbundled, and the privatization of the generation and distribution activities allowed. A wholesale market was created, which allowed electricity trading through long term contracts between generating companies and utilities or large users (more than 2 MW of installed capacity). A spot market also exists.<br/>Four generation companies (GEMOSA, GEOSA, HIDROGESA, and GECSA) a transmission company ENTRESA and two distribution companies (DISNORTE and DISSUR) were created. Two generation companies were sold and are now privately operated; the transmission is expected to remain public and the two utilities were sold to the Spanish company Unión Fenosa in September 2000, with a concession that covers the Western, Central and Northern zones of the country. The eastern part of the country along the Atlantic Coast remains in the responsibility of ENEL which manages some mini-grids at the Atlantic coastline.<ref name="MEM,agentes">MEM.2010. Agentes productores conectados al sistema interconectado del mercado electrico nacional. Direccion de mercado eléctrico, Ministerio de Energia y minas. Acceso online: http://www.mem.gob.ni</ref> |
| | | | |
| − | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#Overview|Go To Top]] | + | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#toc|►Go To Top]] |
| | | | |
| | == Power Generation == | | == Power Generation == |
| Line 98: |
Line 37: |
| | 80% of the power generated comes from private companies, among which we find: Consorcio Eolico Amayo operating since 2009 with an effective capacity of 30 MW. The Coastal Power that runs two thermal power stations, ‘Nicaragua’ and ‘Chinandega’, with a combined effective capacity of 114 MW. Other private thermal power stations are CENSA-AMFELS, Tipitapa power company and ENRON with the following effective capacities: 24 MW, 50.9 MW and 50 MW, respectively.<br/>Currently all geothermal and biomass power stations are private owned. Geothermal power plants include ORMAT (22 MW), Polaris Energy Nicaragua (4.8 MW) and GESARSA (4.2 MW). The biomass power plants Monterosa and Nicaragua Sugar Ltd., both of them generate electricity from sugarcane bagasse.<br/>The state owned companies are Albanisa thermal power plant (97.6 MW), GECSA manages the three thermal power plants ‘Managua’ (50MW), Hugo Chavez Flores-Las Brisas (43.2 MW) and ‘Las Brisas’ (54MW), and HIDROGESA hydroelectric power plant with a effective capacity of 96 MW. | | 80% of the power generated comes from private companies, among which we find: Consorcio Eolico Amayo operating since 2009 with an effective capacity of 30 MW. The Coastal Power that runs two thermal power stations, ‘Nicaragua’ and ‘Chinandega’, with a combined effective capacity of 114 MW. Other private thermal power stations are CENSA-AMFELS, Tipitapa power company and ENRON with the following effective capacities: 24 MW, 50.9 MW and 50 MW, respectively.<br/>Currently all geothermal and biomass power stations are private owned. Geothermal power plants include ORMAT (22 MW), Polaris Energy Nicaragua (4.8 MW) and GESARSA (4.2 MW). The biomass power plants Monterosa and Nicaragua Sugar Ltd., both of them generate electricity from sugarcane bagasse.<br/>The state owned companies are Albanisa thermal power plant (97.6 MW), GECSA manages the three thermal power plants ‘Managua’ (50MW), Hugo Chavez Flores-Las Brisas (43.2 MW) and ‘Las Brisas’ (54MW), and HIDROGESA hydroelectric power plant with a effective capacity of 96 MW. |
| | | | |
| − | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#Overview|Go To Top]] | + | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#toc|►Go To Top]] |
| | | | |
| | == Transmission == | | == Transmission == |
| Line 104: |
Line 43: |
| | The transmission company Empresa Nacional de Transmisión Eléctrica S.A. (ENATREL) remains a government-owned company and is responsible for the management of the transmission lines and the international electricity exchange, which is managed by the CNDC (Centro Nacional de Despacho de Carga). As indicated above, CNDC is responsible for the dispatching functions. | | The transmission company Empresa Nacional de Transmisión Eléctrica S.A. (ENATREL) remains a government-owned company and is responsible for the management of the transmission lines and the international electricity exchange, which is managed by the CNDC (Centro Nacional de Despacho de Carga). As indicated above, CNDC is responsible for the dispatching functions. |
| | | | |
| − | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#Overview|Go To Top]] | + | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#toc|►Go To Top]] |
| | | | |
| | == Distribution == | | == Distribution == |
| Line 110: |
Line 49: |
| | the energy distribution is carried out by Union Fenosa, ENEL, Zelaya Luz S.A. and small dealerships which manage some isolated systems. Unión Fenosa is a private-state owned utility which got the concession for the national grid covering the Western, Central, and Northern zones of the country trough two distribution systems: Disnorte and Dissur. In the concession areas, Unión Fenosa holds a monopoly on distribution and retail supply except for final consumers with a power demand higher than 2 MW, who can contract directly with generators if so they wish.<br/>As mentioned before, ENEL through its Isolated Systems Division, provides electricity to the north, south and central Atlantic region, outside the concession area by DISNORTE and DISSUR utilities.<br/>Since 2006 and for a period of 30 years the Zelaya Luz S.A., private owned utility, can distribute and market energy in the Nueva Guinea municipality located on the South Atlantic Autonomous Region (RASS). The energy supply to Zelaya Luz S.A is provided by DISSUR and it is expected that 250 dwellings access electricity through this utility.<br/>The small dealerships are 10 small utilities which also generate their own electricity; all of them provide electricity to remote rural villages and small urban municipalities, located on the eastern and central region. Of these utilities, 60% have an installed capacity of less than 500 Kw. Some of them are describe in the section below. | | the energy distribution is carried out by Union Fenosa, ENEL, Zelaya Luz S.A. and small dealerships which manage some isolated systems. Unión Fenosa is a private-state owned utility which got the concession for the national grid covering the Western, Central, and Northern zones of the country trough two distribution systems: Disnorte and Dissur. In the concession areas, Unión Fenosa holds a monopoly on distribution and retail supply except for final consumers with a power demand higher than 2 MW, who can contract directly with generators if so they wish.<br/>As mentioned before, ENEL through its Isolated Systems Division, provides electricity to the north, south and central Atlantic region, outside the concession area by DISNORTE and DISSUR utilities.<br/>Since 2006 and for a period of 30 years the Zelaya Luz S.A., private owned utility, can distribute and market energy in the Nueva Guinea municipality located on the South Atlantic Autonomous Region (RASS). The energy supply to Zelaya Luz S.A is provided by DISSUR and it is expected that 250 dwellings access electricity through this utility.<br/>The small dealerships are 10 small utilities which also generate their own electricity; all of them provide electricity to remote rural villages and small urban municipalities, located on the eastern and central region. Of these utilities, 60% have an installed capacity of less than 500 Kw. Some of them are describe in the section below. |
| | | | |
| − | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#Overview|Go To Top]] | + | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#toc|►Go To Top]] |
| | | | |
| | == Rural Electricity Situation == | | == Rural Electricity Situation == |
| Line 129: |
Line 68: |
| | *The “National Plan of Sustainable Electrification and Renewable Energy” – PNSER” is intended to electrify more than 3,666 communities by extending the distribution network, legalizing connections in formerly established neighborhoods and constructing new networks throughout the country. This plan contemplates an investment of 381 million US$ during the next four years. BID is expected to contribute 75.5 million US$, BCIE approx. 75 million US$ and others to co finance the program as the European Investment Bank (BEI), the Agency of International Cooperation of Japan (JICA), the Bank of Imports and Exports of Korea (KEXIM), the Spanish Agency of International Cooperation for Development (AECID), and the World Bank (BM) | | *The “National Plan of Sustainable Electrification and Renewable Energy” – PNSER” is intended to electrify more than 3,666 communities by extending the distribution network, legalizing connections in formerly established neighborhoods and constructing new networks throughout the country. This plan contemplates an investment of 381 million US$ during the next four years. BID is expected to contribute 75.5 million US$, BCIE approx. 75 million US$ and others to co finance the program as the European Investment Bank (BEI), the Agency of International Cooperation of Japan (JICA), the Bank of Imports and Exports of Korea (KEXIM), the Spanish Agency of International Cooperation for Development (AECID), and the World Bank (BM) |
| | | | |
| − | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#Overview|Go To Top]] | + | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#toc|►Go To Top]] |
| | | | |
| | = Key Problems Hampering Access to Modern Energy Services in Rural Areas = | | = Key Problems Hampering Access to Modern Energy Services in Rural Areas = |
| Line 148: |
Line 87: |
| | #''Lack of a marketing and maintenance structure for energy technology devices in rural areas''. Almost all retailers are established in towns with no outlets in remote rural communities. Thus, clients have to travel to the district capitals to purchase energy devices and for repair orders. However the high costs for transportation and mobilization, the dispersed nature of the populations of the local population are still considered a challenge. | | #''Lack of a marketing and maintenance structure for energy technology devices in rural areas''. Almost all retailers are established in towns with no outlets in remote rural communities. Thus, clients have to travel to the district capitals to purchase energy devices and for repair orders. However the high costs for transportation and mobilization, the dispersed nature of the populations of the local population are still considered a challenge. |
| | | | |
| − | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#Overview|Go To Top]] | + | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#toc|►Go To Top]] |
| | | | |
| | = Institutional Set-up and Actors in the Energy Sector = | | = Institutional Set-up and Actors in the Energy Sector = |
| Line 160: |
Line 99: |
| | '''The National Load Dispatch Center or CNDC''' (Centro Nacional de Despacho de Carga) manage the electricity market and the operation of the national interconnected system (SIN). Among its functions are: to schedule and dispatch energy available, to operate the national interconnected grid and the national transmission system (SNT), and to coordinate the planning of preventive and corrective maintenance of the facilities of the National Interconnected System and International Interconnection.<br/>Other public institutions involved in the energy sector are:<br/>• '''The Ministerio para el Fomento, la Industria y el Comercio '''(MIFIC) it is in charge of granting concessions for the use of water in hydroelectricity projects with generation capacity between 1 MW to 30 MW. For less than 1 MW projects will not need to apply for a grant<br/>• '''The Ministerio del Ambiente y Recursos Naturales''' (MARENA) develops policies and defines norms for the environmental sector. Based on environmental impact studies, MARENA gives permits for all activities regulated by the environmental law (Ley del Medio Ambiente). | | '''The National Load Dispatch Center or CNDC''' (Centro Nacional de Despacho de Carga) manage the electricity market and the operation of the national interconnected system (SIN). Among its functions are: to schedule and dispatch energy available, to operate the national interconnected grid and the national transmission system (SNT), and to coordinate the planning of preventive and corrective maintenance of the facilities of the National Interconnected System and International Interconnection.<br/>Other public institutions involved in the energy sector are:<br/>• '''The Ministerio para el Fomento, la Industria y el Comercio '''(MIFIC) it is in charge of granting concessions for the use of water in hydroelectricity projects with generation capacity between 1 MW to 30 MW. For less than 1 MW projects will not need to apply for a grant<br/>• '''The Ministerio del Ambiente y Recursos Naturales''' (MARENA) develops policies and defines norms for the environmental sector. Based on environmental impact studies, MARENA gives permits for all activities regulated by the environmental law (Ley del Medio Ambiente). |
| | | | |
| − | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#Overview|Go To Top]] | + | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#toc|►Go To Top]] |
| | | | |
| | == Non Governmental Services Providers for Rural Areas in the Energy Sector == | | == Non Governmental Services Providers for Rural Areas in the Energy Sector == |
| Line 178: |
Line 117: |
| | *'''RENOVABLES '''is the Nicaraguan Renewable Energy and Environment Association, a group that comprises private, non-governmental and educational organizations active in renewable energies. Its aims are to:<br/>a) establish an official communication channel with the MEM,<br/>b) take part in national energy strategic planning and contribute to the implementation of the national energy strategy;<br/>c) take part and strengthen renewable energy events in the country and<br/>d) advance on updating energy legal framework proposals.<br/> | | *'''RENOVABLES '''is the Nicaraguan Renewable Energy and Environment Association, a group that comprises private, non-governmental and educational organizations active in renewable energies. Its aims are to:<br/>a) establish an official communication channel with the MEM,<br/>b) take part in national energy strategic planning and contribute to the implementation of the national energy strategy;<br/>c) take part and strengthen renewable energy events in the country and<br/>d) advance on updating energy legal framework proposals.<br/> |
| | | | |
| − | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#Overview|Go To Top]] | + | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#toc|►Go To Top]] |
| | | | |
| | = Policy framework = | | = Policy framework = |
| Line 202: |
Line 141: |
| | *'''“PLANER”, '''based on the National Development Plan (PND), a national program for rural electrification (PLANER) was developed. The aim of the program is to achieve a national electrification rate of 70% by 2013. In absolute figures it means to provide 1,585,909 people with access to electricity. The program costs are calculated to be 344 million US $ or 189 US $ per person. The Government's sees the expansion of electricity services in the rural areas as part of its strategy to improve the competitiveness of the country through the strengthening of rural economic activities, and as a tool to improve the living standards of the rural population. The Government however, is also aware, that the electricity sector would be able to contribute to the achievement of this ambitious goal only if electrification is combined with the promotion of economic activities in rural areas. Therefore, the Government's strategy aims at strengthening rural businesses by upgrading agricultural technology, promoting integrated clusters and networks for the dairy and coffee sector, and by training trainers to deliver business development services to rural areas. | | *'''“PLANER”, '''based on the National Development Plan (PND), a national program for rural electrification (PLANER) was developed. The aim of the program is to achieve a national electrification rate of 70% by 2013. In absolute figures it means to provide 1,585,909 people with access to electricity. The program costs are calculated to be 344 million US $ or 189 US $ per person. The Government's sees the expansion of electricity services in the rural areas as part of its strategy to improve the competitiveness of the country through the strengthening of rural economic activities, and as a tool to improve the living standards of the rural population. The Government however, is also aware, that the electricity sector would be able to contribute to the achievement of this ambitious goal only if electrification is combined with the promotion of economic activities in rural areas. Therefore, the Government's strategy aims at strengthening rural businesses by upgrading agricultural technology, promoting integrated clusters and networks for the dairy and coffee sector, and by training trainers to deliver business development services to rural areas. |
| | | | |
| − | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#Overview|Go To Top]] | + | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#toc|►Go To Top]] |
| | | | |
| | = Further Information = | | = Further Information = |
| Line 209: |
Line 148: |
| | *[https://energypedia.info/EnDev-Nicaragua EnDev-Nicaragua] | | *[https://energypedia.info/EnDev-Nicaragua EnDev-Nicaragua] |
| | | | |
| − | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#Overview|Go To Top]] | + | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#toc|►Go To Top]] |
| | | | |
| | = References = | | = References = |
| | | | |
| | <references /> | | <references /> |
| | + | [[Nicaragua Energy Situation#toc|►Go To Top]] |
| | + | [[Category:CES Country]] |
| | | | |
| − | [[Category:Nicaragua]]
| |
| | [[Category:Country_Energy_Situation]] | | [[Category:Country_Energy_Situation]] |
| | + | [[Category:Nicaragua]] |
Nicaragua has one of the lowest electrification rates in Central America, approximately 65%[1] of the population compared to 99.2% coverage in Costa Rica[2]. About 68% of the rural population still lacks access to electricity[3] . In absolute terms, it is estimated that a total of about 340,000 dwellings (1.8 million people) in both urban and rural areas lack electricity service[4].
Gross electricity generation of the SIN (national interconnected grid) and isolated power stations registered is in 2010 was around 3,450 GWh. These are produced by the following types of power plants[6]:
Nicaragua's power sector underwent a deep restructuring during 1998-99, when the generation, transmission and distribution divisions of the state-owned Empresa Nicaraguense de Electricidad (ENEL) were unbundled, and the privatization of the generation and distribution activities allowed. A wholesale market was created, which allowed electricity trading through long term contracts between generating companies and utilities or large users (more than 2 MW of installed capacity). A spot market also exists.
Four generation companies (GEMOSA, GEOSA, HIDROGESA, and GECSA) a transmission company ENTRESA and two distribution companies (DISNORTE and DISSUR) were created. Two generation companies were sold and are now privately operated; the transmission is expected to remain public and the two utilities were sold to the Spanish company Unión Fenosa in September 2000, with a concession that covers the Western, Central and Northern zones of the country. The eastern part of the country along the Atlantic Coast remains in the responsibility of ENEL which manages some mini-grids at the Atlantic coastline.[9]
80% of the power generated comes from private companies, among which we find: Consorcio Eolico Amayo operating since 2009 with an effective capacity of 30 MW. The Coastal Power that runs two thermal power stations, ‘Nicaragua’ and ‘Chinandega’, with a combined effective capacity of 114 MW. Other private thermal power stations are CENSA-AMFELS, Tipitapa power company and ENRON with the following effective capacities: 24 MW, 50.9 MW and 50 MW, respectively.
Currently all geothermal and biomass power stations are private owned. Geothermal power plants include ORMAT (22 MW), Polaris Energy Nicaragua (4.8 MW) and GESARSA (4.2 MW). The biomass power plants Monterosa and Nicaragua Sugar Ltd., both of them generate electricity from sugarcane bagasse.
The state owned companies are Albanisa thermal power plant (97.6 MW), GECSA manages the three thermal power plants ‘Managua’ (50MW), Hugo Chavez Flores-Las Brisas (43.2 MW) and ‘Las Brisas’ (54MW), and HIDROGESA hydroelectric power plant with a effective capacity of 96 MW.
The transmission company Empresa Nacional de Transmisión Eléctrica S.A. (ENATREL) remains a government-owned company and is responsible for the management of the transmission lines and the international electricity exchange, which is managed by the CNDC (Centro Nacional de Despacho de Carga). As indicated above, CNDC is responsible for the dispatching functions.
the energy distribution is carried out by Union Fenosa, ENEL, Zelaya Luz S.A. and small dealerships which manage some isolated systems. Unión Fenosa is a private-state owned utility which got the concession for the national grid covering the Western, Central, and Northern zones of the country trough two distribution systems: Disnorte and Dissur. In the concession areas, Unión Fenosa holds a monopoly on distribution and retail supply except for final consumers with a power demand higher than 2 MW, who can contract directly with generators if so they wish.
As mentioned before, ENEL through its Isolated Systems Division, provides electricity to the north, south and central Atlantic region, outside the concession area by DISNORTE and DISSUR utilities.
Since 2006 and for a period of 30 years the Zelaya Luz S.A., private owned utility, can distribute and market energy in the Nueva Guinea municipality located on the South Atlantic Autonomous Region (RASS). The energy supply to Zelaya Luz S.A is provided by DISSUR and it is expected that 250 dwellings access electricity through this utility.
The small dealerships are 10 small utilities which also generate their own electricity; all of them provide electricity to remote rural villages and small urban municipalities, located on the eastern and central region. Of these utilities, 60% have an installed capacity of less than 500 Kw. Some of them are describe in the section below.
The national electricity is subdivided into two concession areas covering only the western part of the country. More than half of the country on the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts remains outside of these concession areas, including half of the Rio San Juan Region, the Region Autonoma Atlántico Sur (RAAS), the Region Autonoma Atlántico Norte (RAAN) and two thirds of the Jinotega region, Matagalpa, Boaco, Chontales and Rio San Juan.
The government currently has a goal of achieving 87% rural electrification rate by 2016.[11]
