Nicaragua starts construction of 70 MW Enesolar‑3 solar plant

China Communications Construction, a China-based infrastructure firm, has begun construction on the 70MW Enesolar-3 solar plant in Nindirí, Masaya department, Nicaragua. Funded by the Chinese government, the project is expected to be completed within 18 months and will become the country’s largest solar installation. Once operational, it will supply 40% of the annual electricity demand of Nicaragua’s national water utility, Enacal, supporting improved water service delivery. Enesolar-3 is part of a broader initiative comprising three solar facilities totaling nearly 200MW. The other two projects include the 61MW Enesolar AP-AS 1 in San Isidro, which is nearing completion, and the 67MW El Hato plant in Ciudad Darío, currently under development. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, Nicaragua’s installed solar capacity rose from 18MW in 2023 to 36MW by the end of 2024.