The National Dispatch Center (CND) has projected a deficit of 331 MW in Honduras for this year 2024, which puts the country in a critical situation for the local electricity supply.
Anticipating this situation, the Honduran Association of Electric Power Producers (AHPEE) has insisted on the need to hold a tender for several years now.
In fact, during the previous government administration, they warned about delays in a 500 MW call for bids that was postponed until the current government finally resumed them and boosted them to 1500 MW.
Given that the terms of reference for the new process were approved last month, AHPEE believes its launch should be imminent. "We have a significant generation deficit, and the bidding process is not an option, it's a necessity and must be done as soon as possible," emphasized Génesis Rodezno , executive director of AHPEE .
In an exclusive interview with Energía Estratégica , the leading businesswoman stated that to ensure the success of the call for bids, it will initially be necessary to motivate the participation of a large number of private sector proponents. In this regard, she pointed out that among the measures that could achieve this, "the payment guarantee is one of the main incentives," since it directly impacts the risk assessment and, therefore, the cost per kilowatt-hour.
He also stressed the importance of having "clear rules" and legal certainty, both in contracts and in the regulatory framework.
But that wouldn't be all.
Another key factor, he added, is the "timely growth of transmission," since if transmission infrastructure is not developed simultaneously with generation, participation could be discouraged.
However, he acknowledged that authorities such as Erick Tejada , as Secretary of State for Energy and manager of the National Electric Energy Company (ENEE) , have already stated that the bidding process will include transmission infrastructure, which he considers a positive step to encourage private sector participation. The bidding process will prioritize renewable energy. Among the announcements made by Erick Tejada, it was highlighted that at least 65% of the bidding requirements will be met by renewable energy sources.
Regarding this decision, Génesis Rodezno explained that the association has always been committed to diversifying the energy matrix.
However, he stressed that "the country has an urgent need for firm power," so it is essential that the tender consider renewable energy with storage.
Furthermore, the AHPEE executive highlighted the importance of following the recommendations of the National Dispatch Center (CND) , which in its Generation Expansion Plan has analyzed various scenarios on the integration of thermal and renewable energy.
Rodezno stressed that these technical assessments are key to ensuring effective planning, since the CND, as the system and wholesale market operator, has a comprehensive perspective on the country's capacity to incorporate new energy sources.
Not considering these studies, from Rodezno 's perspective, could jeopardize the stability of the Honduran electrical system and the proper distribution of the new generation.
Finally, Genesis Rodezno , executive director of AHPEE, also pointed out that bidding is the most efficient way to avoid dependence on temporary solutions, such as thermal generation capacity leases, which she described as "costly and less efficient."
He emphasized that a transparent and timely bidding process would not only guarantee an adequate energy supply but also contribute to the country's economic development. "Contracting capacity leases is a temporary solution that, besides being inefficient, involves high costs," he warned.
For her, the bidding process is the most viable option for competitively and sustainably addressing energy needs, ensuring the country's long-term supply. "It is, without a doubt, the best solution," she concluded.