Nicaragua: a renewable energy paradise in Central America  By
2020, Nicaragua expects to produce 90% of its energy from clean,
safe sources  Nicaragua is what many experts call a paradise of
renewable energies. The country has extensive geothermic
resources––resulting from its large volcanic chain and seismic
activity––with excellent exposure to the wind and sun and a
variety of water sources.   In terms of energy output, the
country has the capacity to generate 5,800 megawatts (MW)
annually from clean sources. Currently, however, just over 5% of
its renewable potential has been developed.   Paradoxically,
Nicaragua was until recently dependent on oil-based products,
which were expensive and far from environmentally friendly. This
was in addition to limited power lines and one of the highest
electricity rates in the region at an average rate of US$ 0.24
per kilowatt/hour.   In 2006, this scenario led the Nicaraguan
government to address the need to change its electrical grid.
With the government’s openness to