For the benefit of more than 5 million Nicaraguans, CABEI backs energy development in the country

Managua, February 20th, 2023.- Electricity, from its discovery to the inventions that have allowed us to enjoy its uses, has been synonymous with a better quality of life for humanity and this is what the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) intends to provide for the more than 5.2 million Nicaraguans through financial and technical support in six projects being executed in the country to provide better coverage, access and distribution of energy.

"Electricity in rural communities activates their economies; a livestock family without energy cannot conserve its products, nor give them added value, but with a constant energy service it is possible, to give an example. That is why it is gratifying for us to know that, through the solid execution of projects in this sector, the quality of life of Nicaraguans is improving, as well as the country's competitiveness through the development of various economic projects," said CABEI's Executive President, Dr. Dante Mossi.

The National Sustainable Electrification and Renewable Energy Program (PNESER), which has been implemented in three segments, has so far brought electricity to more than 41,682 homes in rural communities and has led to the construction of more than 21,000 kilometers of new distribution networks.

The Sustainability Program for the Nicaraguan electricity sector, which has consisted of the rehabilitation and construction of 3,000 kilometers of medium and low voltage power distribution lines, has enabled the normalization of 79,050 homes in 402 urban settlements, which now have supplies through more efficient and sustainable networks, as well as the implementation of modern meters.

Thanks to the programs financed by CABEI, it is possible to rehabilitate and modernize the Central America and Santa Barbara Hydroelectric Plants (known as Carlos Fonseca), whose works consisted in the modernization of their electromechanical equipment and control centers, incorporating state-of-the-art technology and a real-time monitoring system of the hydroelectric plants that add 100 Megawatts (MW) to the installed capacity of the annual energy generation of the National Interconnected System (SIN), which represents a guaranteed 12.5% of generation from this renewable source.

The capital of Nicaragua has benefited from the construction of the Managua Central Substation, which responded to the growth in energy demand and has strengthened the distribution system, generating a positive impact on the productivity of businesses, companies, universities, hospitals and public places for the benefit of 142,987 people living and circulating in the city.

Likewise, in 2021, an agreement was signed for the modernization of the National Load Dispatch Center (CNDC) and a new substation in Bluefields, through the Nicaraguan Electricity Transmission System Expansion Program, benefiting 10,842 user families and 2,545 new users, for a total of 56,902 inhabitants.

As a result of these actions and others supported by the multilateral organization, Nicaragua has become the second country in the Central American region to achieve universal electricity coverage.

Since its founding 62 years ago, CABEI has promoted electricity projects as part of its development axes, convinced that with electricity and a constant flow of it, the development and economic growth of the region is much more viable.