Empresa Nacional de Energia Electrica (ENEE) is a state-owned company in Honduras that is responsible for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in the country. The company was founded in 1957 and has since been providing reliable and affordable electricity to the people of Honduras. In recent years, ENEE has been focusing on developing renewable energy projects in the country to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and promote sustainable development.

Biomass & Waste

One of the renewable energy sectors that ENEE has been investing in is biomass and waste. Honduras has a significant amount of agricultural waste, such as sugarcane bagasse, rice husks, and coffee pulp, which can be used as a fuel for generating electricity. ENEE has been working with local farmers and agro-industrial companies to collect and process these waste products and convert them into energy.

ENEE's biomass and waste projects include the installation of biogas digesters at dairy farms to capture methane emissions from cow manure and use it to generate electricity. The company has also partnered with sugar mills to use sugarcane bagasse as a fuel for cogeneration plants, which produce both electricity and steam for industrial processes. In addition, ENEE is exploring the use of municipal solid waste as a fuel for power generation, which would help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Geothermal

Another renewable energy sector that ENEE is developing is geothermal energy. Honduras is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region with a high concentration of volcanoes and geothermal activity. ENEE has identified several potential geothermal sites in the country and is working to assess their feasibility for power generation.

Geothermal energy is generated by tapping into the natural heat of the earth's crust and using it to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. Geothermal power plants have a high capacity factor, meaning they can operate at a high level of efficiency and generate electricity continuously, unlike some other renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

ENEE's geothermal projects include the development of a 35 MW geothermal power plant in the city of Olanchito, which is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 100,000 homes. The company is also exploring the potential for geothermal energy in other parts of the country, including the western region near the border with Guatemala.

Small Hydro

ENEE is also investing in small hydro projects, which use the power of flowing water to generate electricity. Honduras has a number of rivers and streams that can be harnessed for hydroelectric power, particularly in the mountainous regions of the country.

Small hydro projects typically have a capacity of less than 10 MW and can be built on a relatively small scale, making them ideal for rural areas that are not connected to the national grid. ENEE has been working with local communities to identify potential sites for small hydro projects and to provide technical assistance and financing for their development.

ENEE's small hydro projects include the construction of a 2.5 MW hydroelectric power plant in the community of El Naranjo, which will provide electricity to over 3,000 households. The company is also exploring the potential for small hydro in other parts of the country, including the north coast and the central highlands.

Wind

Finally, ENEE is developing wind energy projects in Honduras. The country has a significant potential for wind power, particularly along the northern coast and in the mountainous regions.

Wind energy is generated by harnessing the power of the wind to turn turbines and generate electricity. Wind turbines have a relatively small footprint and can be installed on both land and offshore, making them a flexible and scalable renewable energy source.

ENEE's wind projects include the construction of a 50 MW wind farm in the municipality of San Marcos de Colón, which will generate enough electricity to power over 60,000 homes. The company is also exploring the potential for offshore wind energy in the Caribbean Sea, which could provide a significant source of renewable energy for the country.

Conclusion

ENEE is a key player in the development of renewable energy projects in Honduras. The company's focus on biomass and waste, geothermal, small hydro, and wind energy is helping to reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels and promote sustainable development. By working with local communities and businesses, ENEE is creating new opportunities for economic growth and improving access to reliable and affordable electricity for all Hondurans.