Electricity in Venezuela in 2022

In 2022, Venezuela generated around 85 TWh of electricity. More than three-quarters of this was from low-carbon sources, primarily due to hydropower, which accounted for almost 66 TWh. Fossil energy, mainly from gas, made up approximately 19 TWh of the total. With an average electricity consumption significantly below the global average of 432 watts per person, Venezuela faces challenges such as frequent power outages and limited access to reliable electricity. These issues can impact the country's economic development and the daily lives of its citizens, highlighting the need for increased low-carbon electricity generation to improve energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Venezuela can take inspiration from the successes of other countries in diversifying their green energy sources. Countries like Brazil have harnessed wind power effectively, generating 96 TWh, which is a viable option given Venezuela's geographic similarity and wind potential. Additionally, China and India have significantly expanded their solar energy capacities, producing 584 TWh and 113 TWh respectively. Investing in both wind and solar power, along with more advanced nuclear energy like the United States and France, which generate 775 TWh and 336 TWh from nuclear energy respectively, can help Venezuela build a robust and diverse clean energy infrastructure.

History

Venezuela's history of low-carbon electricity generation has been predominantly driven by hydropower, with significant increases in generation during the late 20th century. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, hydropower saw notable growth, adding approximately 16 TWh between 1985 and 1992. The early 2000s witnessed another surge, particularly in 2004 and 2005, with an additional 16.7 TWh. However, from 2010 to 2016, there were substantial declines, including a notable drop of almost 12 TWh in 2016. Recent years have seen a resurgence, especially in 2020, with an increase of nearly 13 TWh. These fluctuations underscore the importance of diversifying low-carbon sources, including exploring nuclear, solar, and wind energy, to ensure a stable and sustainable power supply moving forward.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources