Electricity in Peru in 2023

In 2023, Peru's electricity consumption is primarily divided between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. More than half of the electricity, specifically 35.28 TWh, comes from low-carbon sources such as hydropower and wind. Hydropower alone generates around 31.51 TWh, with wind contributing a smaller yet significant 2.23 TWh. On the other hand, fossil energy, mainly from gas, accounts for approximately 48.36 TWh, with gas itself generating about 23.71 TWh. The total electricity consumption per person in Peru averages around 360 watts, which is below the global average of 432 watts per person. This relatively low level of electricity generation can impact Peru’s economic growth and technological advancement, as insufficient power supply may hinder industrial activities and reliable access to electricity for households.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Peru can look to successful models from countries around the world. The People's Republic of China, for example, generates a considerable amount of electricity from both wind (886 TWh) and solar (584 TWh). Brazil, a country with geographic and economic similarities to Peru, has also made significant strides in wind power, generating 96 TWh from this clean energy source. Learning from these examples, Peru could invest more in wind and solar technologies, leveraging its rich natural resources. Additionally, embracing nuclear power, as seen in countries like France (336 TWh from nuclear) and South Korea (180 TWh from nuclear), could provide a stable and substantial source of low-carbon electricity, contributing to energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

History

Historically, Peru has seen various changes in its low-carbon electricity generation, predominantly through hydropower. In the early 1980s, there was a steady increase in hydropower, marked by annual increments such as 1 TWh in 1981 and 0.8 TWh in 1987. The 1990s were notable for both increases and fluctuations; for example, 1992 saw a significant decline of -1.8 TWh, but this was followed by a robust recovery of 2.1 TWh in 1993. The early 2000s showed a mix of growth and decline, such as a 1.6 TWh increase in 2000 followed by a -1 TWh decrease in 2004. A particularly noteworthy surge occurred in 2017, with a substantial 4.9 TWh rise in hydroelectric power. Continuing this trend, recent years have shown both minor decreases — such as -0.9 TWh in 2020 — and stabilizing increments like the 1.4 TWh increase in 2021. These historical trends reflect resilience and potential for consistent growth in Peru's clean electricity capacity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources