Electricity in Paraguay in 2022

Paraguay has achieved a remarkable milestone by sourcing 100% of its electricity from low-carbon sources. Nearly all of this clean electricity comes from hydropower, which accounts for almost the entirety of the country's electricity generation—99.68% to be precise. In addition to meeting its own demands with green energy, Paraguay is a significant net exporter of electricity, helping its neighboring countries reduce their carbon emissions. The next challenge for Paraguay will be to electrify other sectors like transport, heating, and industry, which will require significantly more electricity than currently produced.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Paraguay can diversify its clean energy portfolio by investing in solar and wind power. Both sources are abundant and can complement hydropower by providing electricity during dry seasons or periods of low river flow. Furthermore, Paraguay could explore the potential of nuclear energy, which provides a stable and large-scale supply of low-carbon power. By incorporating these additional sources, Paraguay can ensure a resilient and sustainable electricity grid capable of meeting future demands and further reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Paraguay has been predominantly driven by hydropower developments, especially in the late 1980s and early 1990s, where each year saw consistent increases in generation between 2.9 and 7.8 TWh. Notably, between 1993 and 1997, substantial annual growth continued with increments ranging from 4.3 to 6 TWh. However, the start of the 21st century saw some volatility, with a significant drop of 8.2 TWh in 2001, though this was followed by periods of recovery. The early 2010s saw moderate growth, but more recent years have faced challenges, particularly between 2019 and 2021 where cumulative declines were substantial. Despite these fluctuations, the year 2022 marked a positive turn with an increase of 3.3 TWh in electricity generation from hydropower.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources