The high dependence on fossil fuels is one of the main challenges of the Honduran energy system .
In response to this vulnerability, the country is designing an energy policy that focuses on renewable sources as the central axis of its structural transformation , as explained in the technical study Sustainable energy policy in Honduras: Diagnosis and challenges , prepared by Wilfredo C.
Flores, Osvaldo A.
Ojeda, Marco A.
Flores and Francisco R.
Rivas.
"Honduras has sufficient renewable energy resources to achieve energy self-sufficiency ," the authors state.
The diagnosis proposes to harness this potential through a sustained development plan until 2030 , articulated through public policies, strategic investments and institutional strengthening.
The document identifies a robust set of underutilized renewable energy resources.
In the case of hydroelectric power, Honduras has a theoretical potential of 5,000 MW , a considerable capacity in relation to its current electricity demand.
Added to this is a solar availability of between 4.5 and 6.5 kWh/m²/day , which makes the photovoltaic resource a viable option for both centralized generation and decentralized systems in rural areas.
Regarding wind power, an estimated wind potential of 46,600 MW is located, concentrated mainly in southern regions of the country.
"The National Congress has already approved a 100 MW wind power project with a private investment of $250 million," the study details.
These types of initiatives are part of a package of awards for 250 MW in new renewable plants, also including hydroelectric and geothermal projects.
In the case of geothermal energy , areas with usable thermal gradients are identified that could be integrated into the national energy matrix.
Although it requires feasibility studies and exploration, the Honduran geothermal potential is emerging as a key complementary source to provide stability to an energy mix with increasing solar and wind power participation .
The document proposes a roadmap to 2030 that prioritizes the incorporation of renewables to reduce the country's exposure to international oil volatility and improve its energy security.
"The desired scenario considers the addition of 3,000 MW of new installed capacity, mostly renewable, with an estimated investment of $4.285 billion," the plan states.
This expansion would allow us to meet the projected increase in demand, increase electricity coverage, and drastically reduce the share of oil in national power generation.
To make the implementation of the plan viable, the document proposes an institutional reform that includes the creation of a Ministry of Energy , capable of integrating and coordinating all areas of the sector: hydrocarbons, electricity, efficiency and renewables.
"The current institutional fragmentation creates inefficiencies in decision-making and limits the attraction of investments," the authors of the study argue.
This new institution would have the mandate to articulate public policies, establish appropriate regulatory frameworks, and support the implementation of strategic projects, especially in renewables.
Honduras is at an energy crossroads.
Although its current energy mix reflects a strong dependence on fossil fuels, the country has sufficient technical capacity and renewable potential to initiate a structural transformation of the electricity system .
"The most urgent thing is not to rediscover the potential, but to implement policies that convert those resources into real installed capacity," the document concludes.
The opportunity is clear: to consolidate a clean, diversified and sovereign matrix, which reduces external vulnerability and accelerates the country's sustainable development.