Nicaragua Launches Geothermal Tender

Nicaragua’s Institute of Energy (INE), the country’s energy regulator, is to launch an exploration and production tender for three geothermal blocks. The government claims the blocks – Volcán Casita-San Cristóbal, Caldera de Apoyo and Volcán Mombacho – comprise the largest geothermal resources in Central America. The concession is due to be awarded next April. Nicaragua currently generates only around 20% of its daily energy from geothermal sources, but has the potential to generate much more, according to the government. The country has been struggling with an energy crisis this year and has faced increasing power outages.