In 2025, the electricity consumption landscape in Bolivia is predominantly powered by fossil fuels, specifically gas, which accounts for more than half, at around 65% of the total electricity generation. On the brighter side, the country sees a significant portion of its electricity generated from low-carbon sources, contributing just over a third of the total. The most substantial low-carbon contributor is hydropower, which generates close to 29% of the electricity. Contributions from solar and wind sources are modest, with solar power making up almost 3% and wind contributing about 2.5%. Biofuels, while included in the low-carbon mix, play a minor role with just over 1%.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Bolivia?
Bolivia's electricity consumption per person has seen a decline when comparing the most recent data from 2025 to previous records. In 2025, each person in Bolivia consumed about 942 kWh, which is a decrease of 56 kWh from the 2024 high of 998 kWh per person. This downtrend is noticeable as it reflects not only in total electricity use but also in the realm of low-carbon electricity generation. In 2025, each person saw 329 kWh of their consumption coming from low-carbon sources, which again fell from the previous year's record of 379 kWh. This decrease is concerning, particularly at a time when increasing electricity access, and particularly green energy access, is critical for sustainable development and combating climate change.
Suggestions
To boost Bolivia's low-carbon electricity generation, looking at successful regions worldwide could provide valuable insights. Countries like North Macedonia and regions such as California have successfully expanded their solar electricity generation to almost a third or more of their total electricity mix. Similarly, Denmark and certain U.S. states like Iowa and South Dakota have harnessed wind power to contribute between 50% to 60% of their electricity. Emulating these successes could involve increasing investments in solar and wind resources. Additionally, leveraging nuclear energy, as seen in countries like France and Slovakia where nuclear power represents more than two-thirds of electricity generation, could provide Bolivia with a stable and scalable low-carbon solution crucial for addressing electricity needs sustainably.
History
A glance into Bolivia's history of low-carbon electricity reveals a series of fluctuations mainly centering around hydropower. In the late 20th century and early 21st century, hydropower production saw several smaller increases and decreases, reflecting a somewhat unstable growth. Notable agitation in this trend occurred through considerable hydropower declines in years like 2016. In more recent times, there was a progressive recovery in hydropower, capped by an upswing in 2024. Additionally, new avenues opened up in 2022 with the advent of wind power. Despite recent challenges, these historical adjustments underscore the need for a diversified low-carbon approach moving forward. Exploring nuclear and solar advancement seems ever more pressing to stabilize and offer reliable electricity growth.
