In 2023, Venezuela's electricity consumption is primarily driven by low-carbon sources, making up more than three-quarters of its total consumption. Almost all of this low-carbon electricity comes from hydropower, which accounts for close to 78% of the total, with fossil fuels, predominantly gas, providing just over 21%. This highlights Venezuela's heavy reliance on clean energy sources, which is a positive aspect amidst global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. However, the reliance on a single form of clean energy underlines the potential vulnerability in the system, pointing to the need for diversification within the low-carbon sector to enhance energy security and resilience.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Venezuela?
Despite the significant proportion of clean energy, Venezuela's overall electricity consumption reflects a concerning decline from historical levels. In 2023, electricity consumption per person is around 2931 kWh, which is notably lower than the peak of 4252 kWh per person recorded in 2008. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person has decreased from 3096 kWh in 2008 to 2297 kWh in 2023. These figures indicate a drop of more than 1300 kWh per person in total electricity consumption and nearly 800 kWh in the clean energy sector. Such declines are worrying and emphasize the necessity for strategic policies aimed at bolstering electricity generation and enhancing energy accessibility to fuel economic growth and electrification needs.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Venezuela can take valuable lessons from regions that successfully leverage a blend of solar and nuclear energy. For instance, countries like France derive a substantial portion of their electricity from nuclear power, with nuclear accounting for almost 67% of its electricity mix. Similarly, states in the US, such as California and Nevada, demonstrate the effective utilization of solar power, each generating over 30% of their electricity from solar energy. Additionally, wind energy provides significant contributions in countries like Denmark and Uruguay, which could also offer viable paths for Venezuela to explore. By adopting a diverse mix of low-carbon technologies, notably ramping up nuclear and solar capacity, Venezuela can strengthen its clean electricity infrastructure and ensure a more stable, sustainable supply amid fluctuating hydropower outputs.
History
In the past, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, Venezuela saw steady increases in hydropower generation, with consistent annual additions ranging from 3 to over 7 TWh. This was a period of growth where hydropower continually expanded its share in the electricity sector. The early 2000s maintained this trend, with substantial growth peaking in 2004 with an exceptional increase of 9.5 TWh. However, this positive momentum faced challenges in the 2010s, marked by fluctuations where significant declines, like the 19.3 TWh drop in 2014, countered previous gains. Despite the sweeping developments in hydropower, there's a clear pattern of volatility and decreasing returns over the years, reinforcing the importance of diversifying the low-carbon energy landscape with additional reliable sources such as solar and nuclear. Addressing these issues is crucial for meeting continuous demand and minimizing the impacts of climate change.
