Under the leadership of President Xiomara Castro , Honduras has charted a clear course towards sustainable energy development with a deeply social focus.
The Undersecretary in the Office of Energy, Tomás Rodríguez , highlighted that his strategy is focused on two pillars: the promotion of renewable energy projects and electrification, especially in those more remote and vulnerable areas.
"The president's mandate is clear: to promote renewable energy, but with an emphasis on respect, consideration, and the involvement of indigenous communities in the territories where these projects are developed," he explained.
In this context, the National Electric Energy Company (ENEE) has recently announced its intention to launch a long-term tender for 1,500 MW, which could prioritize awarding BOT contracts for projects with renewable sources ( see more ).
In this regard, the Secretary of State for Energy, Erick Tejada Carbajal , pointed out that these projects are fundamental for Honduras' energy transition, but stressed that this transition must be "green, but inclusive," reflecting the priority of bringing direct benefits to the most neglected sectors.
This approach aligns with the "Special Law to guarantee the electricity service as a public good of national security and a human right," legislation that is complemented by the Universal Access to Electricity Policy for Honduras (PAUEH) since electrification is one of the major challenges facing Honduras.
To address that need, the government is already conducting a series of studies to bring energy to the departments of Gracias a Dios, Colón, and Olancho, where rural populations have very limited access to electricity.
In that regard, Rodríguez announced that a preliminary agreement has already been established with the World Bank for $87 million, intended to finance rural electrification projects.
"We are about to deliver this November a report and a diagnosis of the social impact of these projects," he stated.
Gabriela Elizondo Azuela, Energy Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean at the World Bank, confirmed this and added: "In Honduras we are focused on universal access to energy and we have a request to start a new rural electrification project with solar panels, minigrids and more."