As of 2024, Peru's electricity consumption landscape is prominently characterized by a nearly equal balance between low-carbon and fossil energy sources, with a slight lean towards the former. Low-carbon sources, making up just over 59% of the electricity mix, are primarily driven by hydropower, which alone accounts for more than half of the total electricity generated. Wind and solar energy contribute smaller portions, at approximately 6% and 2%, respectively. Fossil energy, primarily from gas, constitutes around 41% of the total electricity consumed in the country. This balance underscores Peru's ongoing efforts to integrate cleaner energy sources into its energy mix while still relying significantly on fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in Peru?
Electricity consumption per person in Peru has shown a slight yet positive increase, with the 2024 numbers reaching 1869 kWh/person, up by 30 kWh from the previous record set in 2023. This growth is indicative of the country's expanding electricity usage, albeit at a modest rate. Notably, the generation of low-carbon electricity has also marked an improvement, with an output of 1107 kWh/person, which is an increase of 46 kWh/person from the previous high in 2019. These increments, while small, point towards a steady albeit gradual shift towards increased electricity consumption and cleaner sources, aligning with broader global trends in energy transition.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Peru can draw inspiration from successful regions around the globe. For instance, leveraging insights from countries like Chile, where solar power makes up 23% of the electricity mix, could help Peru expand its solar capacity. Additionally, wind energy strategies utilized by countries such as Uruguay and Lithuania, with respective shares of 28% and 34%, can serve as models for enhancing Peru's wind energy sector. Furthermore, regions with significant nuclear energy installations, like France where nuclear accounts for 69% of electricity, demonstrate the immense potential of nuclear power in achieving sustainable, large-scale energy production. By adapting and localizing these strategies to Peru's unique resources and environmental conditions, the nation could markedly elevate its clean energy profile.
History
Over the years, Peru has seen significant developments in its low-carbon electricity generation, primarily through hydropower. In the 1980s, the country saw a substantial increase with incremental gains such as a 1 TWh rise in 1981 and a 0.8 TWh increase in 1987. Another notable growth spurt occurred in the 1990s, barring a slight dip in 1992. The 2000s and 2010s followed the trend of consistent hydropower gains, highlighted by particularly strong growth such as the almost 5 TWh leap in 2017. However, the period wasn't without its fluctuations, witnessing occasional declines like a reduction of 0.9 TWh in 2020 and 2.2 TWh in 2022. Despite these setbacks, the latest data from 2024 shows a promising resurgence in hydropower alongside a commendable increase in wind energy, indicating a continued commitment to strengthening Peru's clean energy infrastructure.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.