Electricity in Bolivia in 2024
In Bolivia's electricity mix for the year 2024, a significant portion comes from fossil fuels, accounting for more than 60% of the total generation, with the predominant share contributed by gas at approximately 60%. In contrast, low-carbon or clean electricity sources comprise nearly 40% of the total electricity generation, led by hydropower, which alone makes up a substantial portion of this segment at more than a quarter. Wind, biofuels, and solar collectively contribute to a smaller portion, each hovering around 3% of the electricity supply. This indicates that while Bolivia relies heavily on fossil fuel-based electricity, it has made noticeable strides in integrating hydropower and is beginning to harness other low-carbon energies such as wind and solar.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Bolivia can draw lessons from other countries that have successfully transitioned to low-carbon sources. One viable pathway is to increase its investment in wind and solar energy, taking cues from Denmark's success, where wind accounts for over half of its electricity, and Uruguay's robust 28% wind share. Additionally, Bolivia could consider initiating nuclear energy projects, as seen in Slovakia, Ukraine, and neighboring countries such as Brazil, which utilize nuclear power to significantly reduce their carbon footprints. These nations illustrate that with a combination of policy support, investment in infrastructure, and technological advancements, a transition to cleaner, more sustainable electricity generation is achievable.
History
Historically, Bolivia's journey toward low-carbon electricity has substantially favored hydropower, with fluctuations in its generation since the early 1980s. The country experienced minor declines and increments through the 1980s and 1990s, generally balancing out. However, a more pronounced variability occurred in the late 2000s and 2010s. Notably, from 2017 to 2019, there was a series of consecutive increases in hydroelectric generation, adding substantial capacity to the grid. More recently, in 2022, Bolivia began diversifying with the addition of wind energy, and by 2024, hydropower again saw another notable uptick. These developments highlight Bolivia's ongoing efforts to expand its clean energy capacity and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.