About the project‍

The major goal of the Amayo Wind Power Project is to use the wind as a zero emissions, renewable energy source and to deliver the power at an affordable price to Nicaragua’s power grid. The wind turbines are placed along the shores of Lake Nicaragua in the Southwest of the country, a region that is particularly known for its windy weather. Nineteen 2.1 MW wind turbine generators, with a combined annual power output of 39.9 MW will deliver an anticipated annual net amount of electricity output of around 169 GWh. Amayo’s power plant facilities are involved in the project activities at every level, including development, design, engineering, finance, construction, operation, and maintenance.

The baseline scenario (the scenario that depicts the anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) that would take place in the absence of the proposed project activity) corresponds to the National Electric Grid's continued operation before the project activity began: The National Interconnected System, or "NIS," of Nicaragua was mostly made up of thermal power facilities. The direct burning of either fuel oil or diesel accounted for 63% of the grid's effective capacity. In addition, thermal plants supplied 74% of the NIS generation. Renewable energy shares in the national energy mix were much lower: just 11% for hydro, 7% for geothermal, and 8% for cane bagasse. As an outcome of the project, the NIS will be able to lower the amount of generation necessary from polluting and expensive fossil fuel facilities thanks to the less expensive and cleaner energy source of wind power.

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Sustainable development contribution:

In addition to adressing Climate Action, the projects covers the 5 other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Quality Education (SDG 4): The contractor installing the civil and electrical works will employ 90 to 125 Nicaraguans within the project's development. The provider of the wind turbines will employ 20 Nicaraguans in the installment of the wind turbines' parts. Around 18 permanent operational employees will be employed by the Amayo wind farm once it is up and running, creating employment possibilities for residents in the region. The initiative is also anticipated to generate 60 indirect jobs locally. All technical staff is trained on occupational health and safety, as well as turbine technology and maintenance, increasing their ability to work in similar roles in the future.
• Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): Investment in and access to clean energy is increased, helping the Nicaraguan electrical grid grow with sustainable sources of power. This will prevent rolling blackouts, enhance family living standards and lessen business disruptions, ultimately increasing the population's income, employment opportunities, and tax revenues for the Nicaraguan government. Energy costs coming from this kind of renewable source are estimated at USD 86.25 per MWh, which corresponds to savings of about USD 100 per MWh, which will reduce the costs of power for the Nicaraguan people.
• Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Nicaragua can achieve higher levels of economic growth through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation. Furthermore, by significantly decreasing energy costs, the competitiveness of the Nicaraguan economy is strengthenend. The utilization of locally available renewable energy sources will help Nicaragua utilize 276,500 fewer barrels of imported fuel oil per year, saving the country USD 31.9 million in foreign exchange, boosting Nicaragua's currency and improving the trade balance.
• Life on Land (SDG 15): Ecosystem considerations were integrated into the planning processes, so the project is not in an environmentally sensitive area, but rather in open areas for cattle.
• Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): The project promotes the development and transfer of environmentally sound technologies to a developing country.

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Climate Impact Partners delivers high impact projects

Climate Impact Partners delivers solutions for action on climate. In cooperation with the world’s leading companies and quality project partners, Climate Impact set the ambition to reduce 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2030.

In a merger between Natural Capital Partners and ClimateCare, two businesses that have pioneered the voluntary carbon market are combined to become Climate Impact Partners. This draws on their combined expertise, integrity, and innovation. The international team continues to pioneer the market's growth and establishes standards for excellence that will maximize the market's effect, driven by an unrelenting desire for quick action and results.