Assessment of Hydroelectric Potential in the Coco and Matagalpa Basins of Nicaragua

Nicaragua

The assessment of hydroelectric potential in Nicaragua’s Coco and Matagalpa river basins has enabled the identification and design of optimal sites for new hydroelectric plants, supporting the reduction of fossil fuel consumption and increasing the share of renewables in the national energy mix. IDOM has performed hydraulic modeling, conceptual design, and both pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for multiple sites, positioning Nicaragua as a benchmark in harnessing its hydroelectric potential.

The Government of Nicaragua, a country with great hydroelectric potential, has relied on IDOM for the development of renewable energy. The identification of the best locations and the design of dams and hydroelectric plants will reduce fossil fuel consumption and, at the same time, achieve a greater penetration of renewable energies in the country’s energy matrix.

The use of hydroelectric resources contributes to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels in emerging economies

After a complete analysis of two of the river basins with the largest capacity, Río Coco and Río Grande de Matagalpa (including the hydraulic modeling of the basins), 21 potential locations for hydroelectric plants were identified (the conceptual design for each was developed). Of these, 8 were studied in-situ in greater detail, a pre-feasibility study was carried out for each one. For the first two of the eight sites, Copalar-113 MW and Mojolka-150 MW, a feasibility study was carried including the basic design and the financial estimate of its execution.

IDOM is currently providing Owner’s Engineering services to PNESER for the construction project of the Copalar and Mojolka hydroelectric plants.

Hydroelectric Power Plants