Currently, Venezuela's electricity generation is predominantly low-carbon, with more than three-fourths coming from clean energy sources. Hydropower alone accounts for nearly all this low-carbon electricity, contributing 78.35%, while fossil energy sources, primarily gas, make up approximately 22% of the total electricity generation. This robust reliance on hydropower highlights Venezuela's potential as a leader in clean energy; however, the overwhelming dependence on this single source could pose a challenge if diversification is not prioritized. In light of the urgent global need to decrease carbon emissions, Venezuela's current electricity mix is remarkable for its low-carbon dominance, yet further exploration into supplementary clean energies could bolster its sustainability.
Is Electricity Growing in Venezuela?
When examining the trajectory of electricity consumption in Venezuela, the data indicates a downward trend. The current electricity consumption per person stands at 2931 kWh, significantly lower than the historic peak of 4329 kWh in 2014, marking a reduction of almost one-third. This decline is also echoed in low-carbon electricity generation per capita, where current figures have dropped to 2297 kWh from the 2008 record of 3095 kWh. Such reductions are concerning, as they suggest not only a contraction in total electricity usage but also a diminishing share of clean energy per individual, which is critical for long-term environmental goals and economic stability.
Suggestions
To further boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Venezuela could look to the practices of other nations that have succeeded in diversifying their energy portfolios with sustainable sources. Nuclear energy is a prominent component in countries such as France, Slovakia, and Ukraine, where it makes up more than half of the electricity mix. Venezuela could substantially benefit from adopting nuclear energy to complement hydropower. On the solar front, countries like Lebanon and Chile demonstrate viable pathways in harnessing solar power, a resource that Venezuela can exploit given its geographic and climatic advantages. By investing in these sustainable energy technologies, Venezuela could secure a more resilient and diversified electricity infrastructure, reducing reliance on a single low-carbon source and providing a more stable energy future.
History
Throughout its history, Venezuela's low-carbon electricity generation has been predominantly driven by hydropower, experiencing various phases of growth and decline. The late 1980s through the mid-1990s saw steady increments in hydroelectric power generation, bolstered by infrastructure expansion and favorable conditions. However, there have been more turbulent times; the 2010s were marked by significant setbacks, peaking in 2016 with a drastic reduction in hydroelectric output. Yet, more recently, there was a dramatic recovery in 2020—an increase of nearly 13 TWh—highlighting the sector's potential for resurgence when conditions permit. This oscillating history underscores the necessity for a diversified approach to low-carbon electricity, emphasizing resilience through the incorporation of additional clean energy sources.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.