Managua Portable Energy Storage Power Plant

Can Nicaragua become a green energy powerhouse?

In other words, it's a renewable energy paradise — and today the Central American nation is moving quickly to become a green energy powerhouse. Within a few years the vast majority of Nicaragua's electricity will come from hydroelectric dams, geothermal plants and wind farms.

Where does Nicaragua's electricity come from?

Within a few years the vast majority of Nicaragua's electricity will come from hydroelectric dams, geothermal plants and wind farms. Nicaragua's largest wind farm lies on the shores of giant Lake Nicaragua, which stretches halfway across the country.

Why is Nicaragua turning to geothermal and solar energy?

The country also lacked thermal plants to turn that fuel oil into electricity. The result was rolling, 12-hour blackouts that damaged the economy and made daily life a grind. Nicaragua is also turning to geothermal and solar energy, such as this photovoltaic power plant in Diriamba, about 25 miles from Managua.

Where is Nicaragua's largest wind farm located?

Nicaragua's largest wind farm lies on the shores of giant Lake Nicaragua, which stretches halfway across the country. Javier Pentzke, manager of the Amayo wind farm, says the region is one of the top places in the world for wind energy. "You have all the opening here from the lake all the way to the Caribbean, so it's like a tunnel," he says.

Why does Nicaragua have a wind turbine?

Pentzke says the wind there is perfect for rotating the three-bladed props on the dozens of wind turbines that rise up from the western shore of the lake. Just a few years ago, Nicaragua was almost totally dependent on imported fuel oil to generate power. The country also lacked thermal plants to turn that fuel oil into electricity.

Will Nicaragua export electricity to Central America?

There is so much untapped energy in Nicaragua that it's planning to export electricity to its Central American neighbors. A few years ago, Nicaragua was almost totally dependent on imported fuel. Now the country's fierce winds, sun and volcanoes generate nearly half the country's electricity, and perhaps 80 percent soon.