Following market doubts about the viability of the 1500 MW tender , Honduras began redesigning the process, focusing on bankability, energy backup, and the actual execution of the projects. The government is evaluating modifications to technical criteria, staggering phases, and improving risk allocation to attract investment in a context marked by the financial crisis at ENEE (the National Electric Energy Company).
The Secretary of State for Energy and interim manager of ENEE, Eduardo Oviedo García , stated that the change in approach is central to the success of the process. “The goal is not just to auction energy contracts, but to auction them well,” he maintained, highlighting a difference from previous systems where the awarding of contracts did not always guarantee concrete results.
One of the key aspects of the redesign is strengthening the technical criteria, incorporating higher standards for supply quality and energy backup. This aims to prevent operational problems associated with integrating intermittent sources without reliable support.
In this regard, the process will begin to consider variables beyond price, incorporating standards that ensure the system's reliability. Furthermore, progress is being made in technological diversification , combining renewables with solutions that guarantee a firm supply.
Another significant change is the review of the bidding structure. The government is analyzing adjustments to the total volume and its phased implementation, with the aim of facilitating market participation and improving competition. This approach seeks to avoid oversized processes that later encounter difficulties during execution.
At the same time, efforts are underway to redistribute risks between the government and investors , a key aspect for improving market perception. The initiative aims to align the process with international standards and create more attractive conditions for project financing.
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The redesign also seeks to address one of the sector's main concerns: ENEE's financial situation and its impact on investor confidence . To this end, the government is moving forward with measures aimed at streamlining the state-owned electricity company's finances, including loss reduction, cash flow reorganization, and prioritization of strategic payments.
Furthermore, contract renegotiations are being evaluated under more sustainable conditions for the State, while transparency in management appears as one of the pillars to recover predictability and credibility in the market.
“ We are prioritizing transparency, clear rules and bankable conditions ,” stated Oviedo García, while emphasizing that “ a successful tender is not measured by awarding, but by actual execution .”
The changes to the bidding process are part of a broader strategy aimed at transforming the electricity procurement system in Honduras. The government is considering moving towards a model of continuous auctions, moving away from isolated processes and generating clearer signals for the market.
This approach would allow for sustained investor participation over time and improve energy planning by reducing regulatory uncertainty. The implementation of periodic schedules is also being analyzed, which would provide predictability in future demand.
Within this new framework, energy storage is beginning to play a central role in system planning. Its incorporation aims to improve the management of renewable energy variability and optimize dispatch during periods of high demand.
“Storage is no longer optional, it is strategic,” said Oviedo García, highlighting its impact on operational stability and on reducing costs associated with backup power generation.