In 2024, electricity consumption in Peru demonstrates a blend of low-carbon and fossil energy sources. More than half of Peru's electricity generation, approximately 59%, is from low-carbon sources. Hydropower leads this category, contributing slightly more than half of the total electricity consumption, showcasing its significance in Peru's clean energy landscape. Fossil energy sources still play a substantial role, with gas being the primary contributor, responsible for nearly 39% of the electricity. Wind and solar energy, while contributing less significantly at around 6% and 2% respectively, reflect the diversification within Peru's clean energy portfolio. The reliance on fossil energy, however, indicates room for improvement in reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner energy solutions.
Is Electricity Growing in Peru?
Electricity consumption in Peru is experiencing an upward trend. The latest figure stands at 1888 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record set in 2023 by 49 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity has seen a noticeable increase, reaching 1118 kWh per person. This marks a growth of 57 kWh per person from the record set in 2019. The continuous growth in both overall and low-carbon electricity usage is a positive sign indicating that Peru is on a path toward greater energy consumption and cleaner energy adoption. This is crucial as the country seeks to meet rising demand and foster sustainable development.
Suggestions
To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Peru can learn from countries that have successfully increased their reliance on nuclear and solar energy. For instance, France and Slovakia have significantly embraced nuclear energy, generating 68% and 62% of their electricity from this clean energy source respectively. While nuclear energy could be a vital addition to Peru's energy portfolio, solar energy offers another substantial opportunity. Countries like Greece and Chile, which generate 21% and 22% of their electricity from solar energy, illustrate the potential of harnessing solar power. By drawing from these examples, Peru can aim to expand its solar and potentially nuclear capabilities, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and further lowering its carbon footprint.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Peru, particularly hydropower, has seen its share of fluctuations over the decades. In the 1980s, hydropower experienced modest growth, with notable increases in 1981 and 1987. The early 1990s saw fluctuations, with a significant decline in 1992 but a robust recovery shortly after. The first decade of the 21st century marked steady growth as hydropower continued to expand its contribution to Peru's electricity generation. Notably, 2017 witnessed a remarkable surge of 4.9 TWh, reinforcing hydropower's central role. Recently, in 2024, both hydropower and wind energy have seen substantial increases, at 2.9 TWh and 1.5 TWh respectively, showcasing a promising trend toward a cleaner electricity future for Peru.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.