In 2024, Bolivia's electricity consumption primarily relies on fossil fuels, with fossil energy accounting for a little over 60% of the total electricity generation. Almost all of this fossil energy comes from gas. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources provide slightly more than a third of the country's electricity. Within the low-carbon sector, hydropower is the dominant source, generating a little more than a quarter of the electricity. Wind energy, biofuels, and solar each contribute smaller portions, with wind at around 4%, biofuels at over 3%, and solar at nearly 3%. These figures highlight an opportunity for Bolivia to increase its clean electricity generation by tapping more into solar and other low-carbon sources.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Bolivia?
Bolivia's electricity consumption is experiencing growth. In 2024, the average electricity consumption per person reached 998 kWh, surpassing the previous historic high of 975 kWh per person recorded in 2023. This expansion is seen as a positive development, indicating an upward trend in the nation's electricity usage. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity also saw an increase, with per-person low-carbon electricity generation reaching 379 kWh in 2024, from 350 kWh in 2021. Although the growth in electricity consumption and low-carbon generation is commendable, further development is needed to ensure that future demands are met without increasing dependence on fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Bolivia can take inspiration from successful regions around the world. Countries like France and Slovakia employ a high percentage of nuclear energy to fulfill their electricity needs, with nuclear making up around two-thirds of their electricity generation. Bolivia could also look to expand its solar energy capabilities, as seen with Nevada and California, where solar contributes approximately a third of their electricity. Moreover, regions like Denmark and Uruguay demonstrate effective wind energy utilization, making up about a third to over half of their electricity. Embracing a diverse mix of nuclear, solar, and wind energy, Bolivia can curb its reliance on fossil fuels while simultaneously meeting the growing electricity demands of a modernizing economy.
History
Looking back at Bolivia's low-carbon electricity history, hydropower has been a significant contributor in the past decades. The period from the late '90s to the early 2000s saw some fluctuations, with periods of slight increases followed by declines. Notable growth was experienced from 2013 to 2021, with years like 2017 and 2019 witnessing substantial increases in hydropower generation. Recently, in 2022, Bolivia also began incorporating wind energy, marking a positive development in its clean energy landscape. These historical trends underscore Bolivia's potential to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation even further by focusing on increasing solar and incorporating more nuclear energy, aligning with global best practices for sustainable electricity production.
