Of Lakes and Volcanoes: A Chronicle of Nicaragua’s Energy Transition

Nicaragua is the largest Central American country and the least densely populated. Endowed with vast renewable energy resources, Nicaragua has often experienced periods of political unrest, economic crisis, and natural disasters that have shaped the country’s energy transition. This chapter is a recap of the last century of Nicaraguan energy history shedding light on the energy paradox that many developing countries experience: a resource curse. A tale of lakes and volcanoes, where the country, despite the availability of vast renewable energy resources, remains highly reliant on imported fossil fuels. This chronicle highlights the interlinkages between energy, society, politics, the economy, the environment, and Nicaraguan culture.