China Bets Big and Aims to Turn This Latin American Country into an Energy Powerhouse with a 70 Megawatt Solar Mega Plant and US$ 83 Million in Strategic Investment

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 20/02/2026 at 10:03

Updated on 20/02/2026 at 10:04

Imagem: Ilustração

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With an Investment of US$ 83 Million, the New 70 Megawatt Solar Plant in Nindirí Expands Solar Power Generation and Strengthens Strategic Ties Between Nicaragua and China

Nicaragua started, in June 2025, the construction of its largest solar plant in the municipality of Nindirí, in Masaya, with an investment of US$ 83 million and a capacity of 70 megawatts, expanding the generation of solar energy and deepening its partnership with China.

Solar Energy Drives a New Phase in the Energy Matrix

The project is being developed in partnership with China Communications Construction Company Limited CCCC and represents a milestone for solar energy in the country.

The expectation is that the work will be completed by the end of this year, consolidating a significant advancement in the production of renewable sources.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Partnership with China Advances Amid Criticism

The construction of the plant occurs at a time of strengthening diplomatic relations between Nicaragua and China, recently reactivated.

In addition to solar energy, bilateral cooperation extends to areas such as mining, transportation, and health.

However, the project is being developed in a context of criticism and sanctions against the government of Daniel Ortega.

Analysts point out that the partnership highlights a strategic geopolitical alignment between the two countries, increasing Chinese presence in Central America.

Sustainable Benefits and Financial Concerns

Although the new solar plant promises environmental and economic benefits, there are concerns regarding dependence on Chinese financing.

Nicaragua’s external debt continues on an upward trajectory, raising alarms about fiscal sustainability in the medium and long term.

The financing contracts signed with China feature shorter grace periods and higher interest rates compared to institutions like the World Bank.

This context raises questions about the financial conditions associated with the project.

As the solar plant approaches completion, expectations grow regarding its impacts on the economy and national politics at a decisive moment for the energy sector and the country’s international relations.

With information from Crusoe.

China Bets Big and Aims to Turn This Latin American Country into an Energy Powerhouse with a 70 Megawatt Solar Mega Plant and US$ 83 Million in Strategic Investment

With an Investment of US$ 83 Million, the New 70 Megawatt Solar Plant in Nindirí Expands Solar Power Generation and Strengthens Strategic Ties Between Nicaragua and China

Solar Energy Drives a New Phase in the Energy Matrix

Partnership with China Advances Amid Criticism

Sustainable Benefits and Financial Concerns

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China Bets Big and Aims to Turn This Latin American Country into an Energy Powerhouse with a 70 Megawatt Solar Mega Plant and US$ 83 Million in Strategic Investment

With an Investment of US$ 83 Million, the New 70 Megawatt Solar Plant in Nindirí Expands Solar Power Generation and Strengthens Strategic Ties Between Nicaragua and China

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China is building an artificial island in the middle of the sea, covering 20 km², to construct the largest offshore airport in the world, the Dalian Jinzhouwan. This $4.3 billion project is anchored on more than 3,000 pillars embedded in the rock beneath the ocean and is scheduled to open in 2035.

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