Electricity in Bolivia in 2022
In Bolivia, electricity consumption per person is currently quite low, at slightly over 106 watts per person. A significant portion of this, around 65 watts per capita, is generated from fossil fuels, specifically gas. Low-carbon electricity generation accounts for a smaller share, providing around 41 watts per person. This includes hydropower at 27 watts, biofuels at 5 watts, and then solar and wind both roughly at 4.5 watts per person. This level of electricity consumption is significantly below the global average of 412 watts per person, which could limit economic opportunities and basic amenities for the Bolivian population. Despite this, Bolivia manages to export more electricity than it uses domestically, giving it the status of a net electricity exporter.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Bolivia can look to other countries that have successfully utilized specific forms of low-carbon energy. Drawing inspiration from countries with similar geographical conditions, it appears that Denmark and Uruguay have managed to harness wind energy effectively. By doing the same, Bolivia could significantly increase its current wind power output. Meanwhile, Australia, despite its vast difference in landscape, serves as a promising example for solar power generation with a commendable 147 watts per person being harnessed from this abundant energy resource.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Bolivia, it is noticeable that the journey has been marked by fluctuating levels of hydroelectricity production, with a slight overall increase over the years. In the 1980s, hydroelectrical production saw a small decrease but gradually began to recover in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, there were several years of decline such as in 1994, 2003, 2005 and more notably in 2016. From 2017 onwards, there was a substantial increase in hydroelectric generation as compared to previous years. The year 2019 marked an important milestone with the introduction of biofuels into the country's low-carbon energy mix. In 2022, an interesting shift occurred with a decrease in hydropower generation and a simultaneous increase in wind power generation, indicating a diversification in Bolivia's low-carbon electricity resources.