Honduras to issue 1,500MW call by end-June

Honduras’ government aims to launch an international public tender by June to procure 1,500MW, according to energy secretary Erick Tejada.

The official made the comment during a local television interview where the also-head of state power company Enee said the reverse auction will be open to all technologies.

The process was announced last month and is part of efforts to reinforce the grid amid increasing demand that includes overhauling transmission and distribution infrastructure.

The goal is for 800MW to come online in 2027, 400MW the following year and 300MW in 2029, he added.

Until then, the focus is on shoring up dispatch capacity with small, mobile units with capacities of between 10-20MW.

Authorities also have pinned hopes on the 240MW, natural gas-fired Brassavola plant which is in the ramp-up phase with 180MW due online this year and total capacity in 2025.

Tejada highlighted that 270MW is needed this year, at least 200MW in 2025 and another 200MW in 2026.

The government has come under increasing scrutiny for prolonged outages and system failures which officials blame on alleged lack of sector investment by past administrations, as well as climate phenomenon El Niño and fires caused by high temperatures.

The energy secretary said that the reservoir level of the 104MW Patuca III hydro stands at 283 meters above sea level, while the minimum operating level is 280 meters above sea level.

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