NICARAGUA GETTING WIND

Nicaragua turns to wind power, tries to reduce its dependence on oil-based energy
Filadelfo Aleman, December 25, 2008 (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)

“Energy-starved Nicaragua is turning to wind as it tries to reduce its dependence on oil-based power…the country will begin operating 19 windmills that have the potential to generate 40 megawatts of energy…the $90 million project will be operating at full capacity by the end of January and contribute 6 percent of the country's total energy needs…

“Nicaragua successfully ended rolling blackouts that left the country without power for hours on many days, but the government struggled to pay higher energy costs as oil prices peaked…the new project will save about $9 million a year in fuel costs, at current prices. The lead developer on the operation is Arctas Capital Group LP of Houston, Texas, which says it is in advanced stages of development for another 40-megawatt installation…

“Nearly 80 percent of the oil Nicaragua consumes is provided at a discount by Venezuela, whose president, Hugo Chavez, is a close ally of Nicaraguan leader Daniel Ortega…”