In Honduras, there is an important potential of untapped indigenous resources. Due to the variability of high oil prices and declining renewable infrastructure costs, such resources could be developed at competitive prices. Currently hydropower, solar and biomass are used on a large scale for electric.
Honduras has a large potential for electricity generation from biomass, mainly from the sugar industry. Currently, there are nine biomass projects in operation, with a total of 81.75 MW installed capacity. These plants are estimated to supply 2.3 percent of the total demand of energy in Honduras for 2007.
Does Honduras have solar power?
Honduras has a large potential for solar photovoltaic generation. In fact, it is a practical solution for servicing energy-isolated rural communities. In 2007, there were about 5,000 individual Solar Home Systems, with an average size between 30 Wp and 50 Wp, which makes up for a total capacity of approximately 15 to 25 kW of power.
Can Honduras generate electricity based on hydropower?
In Honduras, there is a large potential for electricity generation based on hydropower. In 2003 then President Ricardo Maduro put in place a Special Commission for the Development of Hydroelectric Projects. There are 16 new hydro projects that are expected to be commissioned before 2011, with an overall capacity of 206.5 MW.
What is Honduras' energy mix?
In 2021, Honduras' energy mix was led by oil, constituting 52.3% of the total energy supply, followed by biofuels and waste at 33.7%. Modern renewables, which exclude traditional biomass practices like burning wood or agricultural residues, accounted for 13.7%, while coal made up just 0.3%.
Does Honduras need a new infrastructure?
However, national renewable energy and sustainable development ambitions in Honduras face important infrastructure constraints. For example, significant investment is needed to enhance the quality of energy and water services, including improvements in coverage and connectivity.
How many hydro power plants are there in Honduras?
There has been an intensive use of small- and medium-scale hydro energy, with 14 out of 16 existing hydro plants with capacity below 30 MW. Two large plants (El Cajón Dam (Honduras) and Rio Lindo) account, however, for more than 70% of the total capacity. In Honduras, there is a large potential for electricity generation based on hydropower.