The Government of Reconciliation and National Unity of Nicaragua took a giant step forward in its strategy for development and the fight against poverty with the start of construction of the Photovoltaic Plant.
ENESOLAR APAS 3 in Nindirí, Masaya is a mega-project, with the strategic cooperation of the People's Republic of China, which will guarantee the reduction of potable water pumping costs for 3.9 million users and will strengthen the country's energy sovereignty.
Erving Barreda, executive president of Empresa Nicaragüense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (Enacal), pointed out that electricity consumption is the institution's main operating expense. Therefore, this new plant will be a “decisive support” to boost pumping systems, improve water and sanitation services, and reduce energy costs through a clean and efficient source.
The plant, to be built in the Los Altos de Nindirí community, will have 111,700 solar panels and an installed capacity of 70 megawatts (MW). It is expected to generate 140,000 megawatts per year, covering 40% of Enacal's energy consumption for its operations. This project joins two other photovoltaic plants under construction in León and Matagalpa, consolidating a national renewable energy strategy.
Laureano Ortega Murillo, Presidential Advisor for Investment Promotion, Trade and International Cooperation, highlighted the speed and spirit of brotherhood in the cooperation with China. “These are approvals with quick procedures, facilitated by that will and disposition of mutual support, of political support, of brotherhood that we have”, he confirmed. This is the first cooperation project with China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC) under the credit modality.
The cost of the project amounts to US$83 million, but is projected to generate medium-term revenues of US$300 million. Mr. Gan Xingqiu, President of the CCCC Institute of Energy Engineering, assured that this will be the largest green solar power plant in Nicaragua, equipped with the most advanced technology in China, and will be connected to the National Transmission Grid.
Residents of Nindirí, such as Coralia José Pavón, celebrated this advance, recalling the hardships experienced in neoliberal times (1990-2006), when the lack of electricity also meant the lack of drinking water. “I feel moved because I lived through the 90's, when there was no water pumping... days and weeks went by and we had to hire carts, pipes, to be able to draw water,” she said. Pavón highlighted the brotherhood with China.
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Salvador Mansell, and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Chen Xi, also present at the ceremony, emphasized the strength of this alliance, which demonstrates the Nicaraguan government's firm determination to guarantee energy security and the well-being of its people. This project is yet another victory for the National Plan for the Fight against Poverty and for Human Development, which prioritizes equitable access to drinking water and sustainable development.
