Superhot Rock Geothermal in Nicaragua

The document highlights that just 1% of Nicaragua's estimated superhot rock geothermal resource could provide 110 GW of energy capacity, far exceeding the country's 2021 electricity consumption of 4,211 GWh. This resource could theoretically replace all electricity imports (currently 24%) and all fossil fuels used in electricity production, supporting Nicaragua's goal of 60% renewable electricity by 2030. Additionally, superhot rock geothermal is noted for its low land footprint, requiring approximately 12 km² per 1 GW, and its ability to provide reliable 24/7 power.

• Preliminary modeling indicates that Nicaragua possesses significant superhot rock resources; specifically, 1% of this resource could provide 110 GW of energy capacity and generate over 912,011 GWh of electricity.
• The potential energy from 1% of Nicaragua's superhot rock resource is vastly larger than its current needs, equaling 217 times the nation's 2021 electricity consumption of 4,211 GWh.
• Superhot rock geothermal could significantly advance Nicaragua's energy independence and climate goals by replacing all electricity imports, which currently account for 24% of its supply, and replacing all coal and gas used for electricity production.
• Superhot rock geothermal is characterized by high energy density and low land requirements, needing roughly 12 km² per 1 GW, which is substantially less than solar (180 km²), natural gas (160 km²), offshore wind (520 km²), or biomass (14,000 km²).

APA

Clean Air Task Force (n.d.). Superhot Rock Geothermal in Nicaragua. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22144959/Nicaragua-SHR-Regional-Assessment.pdf

Chicago

Clean Air Task Force. Superhot Rock Geothermal in Nicaragua. n.d. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22144959/Nicaragua-SHR-Regional-Assessment.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Clean Air Task Force |title=Superhot Rock Geothermal in Nicaragua |url=https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22144959/Nicaragua-SHR-Regional-Assessment.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{cleanairtaskforcendsuperhot, author = {{Clean Air Task Force}}, title = {{Superhot Rock Geothermal in Nicaragua}}, institution = {Clean Air Task Force}, url = {https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/22144959/Nicaragua-SHR-Regional-Assessment.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }