Ban lauds Nicaragua's 'forward-looking' energy policy during day-long visit

[Judi Lynn]

Ban lauds Nicaragua's 'forward-looking' energy policy during day-long visit



29 July 2014 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today hailed Nicaragua's “forward-looking” energy policy as he arrived on an official visit to discuss how the United Nations and the Central American nation can work together in promoting peace and sustainable development.

“Renewable energy is important to promoting sustainable development – this is the golden thread in achieving sustainable development in the social, economic and environmental areas,” Mr. Ban noted in remarks at a press encounter with President Daniel Ortega in the capital, Managua.

During his meeting with the President, Mr. Ban praised Nicaragua’s commitment to renewable energy, taking note of the country’s goal of having 97 per cent of its energy come from renewable sources by the year 2028.

The Secretary-General and Mr. Ortega visited the Camilo Ortega Wind Park in Rivas, a project that represents almost one quarter of Nicaragua’s capacity to generate wind power. It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions – at least 100,000 tons of CO2 each year.

“Modern energy really is the key to changing people’s lives,” Mr. Ban said during his visit to the wind farm. “It can enhance the quality of life and it can effectively be used to promote human dignity. And it can also contribute to stemming violence.

More:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=48366#.U92Uz2cg_mQ

[Judi Lynn]

1. Apparently the Secretary-General hasn't gotten the memo:

The U.S. wants him to shun Nicaragua, just pretend it isn't there!

Last paragraph of the U.N. article:

In addition to the country’s efforts in the area of sustainable development, Mr. Ban noted that Nicaragua is an important Member State of the UN and has been playing a vital role for peace and development in several regional and global organizations.

Very good news to Nicaraguan people from the Secretary-General of the U.N., Ban Ki-moon.

[Socialistlemur]

2. I don't see how they can get 97 % of energy from renewables

97 % from renewables by 2028? Seems far fetched. Even if they get a lot of cash from Venezuela, the Maduro regime is now suffering from a very serious economic and social crisis. This means Venezuela has probably been knocked out for quite a few years, and it won't have the cash to give away. Because renewables such as wind power suffer from serious intermittency problems they can't provide base load generation. And I don't think Nicaragua has the hydro or geo thermal resources to provide the base load. Or are they counting on very expensive dry field geothermal?