Electricity in Bolivia in 2023/2024

From August 2023 to July 2024, Bolivia's electricity generation was heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than two-thirds (67%) coming from gas. However, the country also made notable strides with low-carbon sources, contributing nearly a third (33%) to the electricity mix. Hydropower played the largest role among the clean sources, providing almost a quarter of the electricity produced (24%). Wind energy accounted for about 5%, while solar contributed around 3%, and biofuels made up a little over 1%. This reflects a concerted but limited effort towards diversifying the electricity sector and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, with much room for growth in the low-carbon sector.

Suggestions

Bolivia can augment its low-carbon electricity generation by learning from global leaders in this domain. For instance, Uruguay's strategy of harnessing wind energy, which constitutes 36% of its electricity, offers an insightful model given Bolivia's available wind potential. Similarly, countries like Chile and Greece have successfully expanded solar technology, contributing 21% and 22% of their respective electricity. Additionally, incorporating nuclear energy into Bolivia's energy portfolio holds immense potential, as illustrated by the success of France and Slovakia, where nuclear accounts for 67% and 60% of electricity generation, respectively. A balanced approach that prioritizes wind and solar, with the exploration of nuclear energy, can help Bolivia move towards a cleaner, more sustainable electricity grid.

History

Historically, Bolivia has seen a mixed pattern in its development of low-carbon electricity, particularly in hydropower. The 1980s showed slight fluctuations, with a minor decline in 1980. This stagnation continued through the 1990s and early 2000s with occasional increases and decreases, signifying a somewhat volatile growth in hydropower capacity. Notable positive strides were seen post-2016, with consistent increases from 2017 to 2019 and another in 2021, before experiencing recent volatility in 2022 and 2023. The introduction of wind energy in 2022 marked a positive development. Despite a minor decline in biofuels in the past year, the historical trend points to hydropower's central role in Bolivia's clean electricity, with recent additions showing the potential for diversification and expansion of low-carbon sources.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources