| Work Detail |
The country announces its Electricity Sector Expansion Plan 2026-2050, which aims to incorporate 5,290 MW of additional capacity into the national electricity system, prioritizing sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy, which will result in 75% green generation. Bolivia has unveiled its Electricity Sector Expansion Plan 2026-2050, which aims to incorporate 5,290 MW of additional capacity into the national electricity system, prioritizing renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal. No mention is made of energy storage. In its comprehensive renewable energy expansion plan, the government has also projected 75% green generation by 2050. According to IRENA, Bolivias total installed renewable energy capacity in 2023 was 1,299 MW, of which 170 MW was photovoltaic. The National Electricity Company (ENDE) Corporation and the National Load Dispatch Committee (CNDC) explain that the development of the projects will be structured in different stages: Between 2026 and 2028, the implementation of 204 MW of wind energy and 270 MW of solar energy is planned. Between 2029 and 2030, installed capacity will be increased by an additional 360 MW of photovoltaic power. In 2031, 24 MW of wind power and another 360 MW of solar power will be added. For the period between 2035 and 2050, a significant increase of 1,962 MW in hydroelectric projects and 179 MW in wind energy is expected. In 2034, the incorporation of 50 MW of wind energy and 110 MW of solar energy is expected. Finally, between 2032 and 2033, 691 MW of wind power, 980 MW of hydropower, and 100 MW of geothermal energy will be added. Projects This plan envisions a significant shift in the energy landscape, projecting a gradual 65% share of renewable energy in the initial phase and reaching 75% by 2050. The established goals are based on the development of nine hydroelectric projects, 12 solar energy projects, 10 wind energy projects, and one geothermal energy project. In the first stage, Bolivia will prioritize the incorporation of wind and solar power, thereby achieving the goal of 65% renewable generation. Meanwhile, in the second phase, hydroelectric plants and geothermal diversification will be promoted. Larger projects will be integrated into the system, such as the construction of four large hydroelectric projects: Rositas, Las Juntas, Ocampo, and Okitas (Santa Cruz), Peña Blanca, Seripona, and La Pesca (Chuquisaca), Cañahuecal (Chuquisaca and Cochabamba), and Icona (Cochabamba). In the solar energy sector, photovoltaic plants that harness solar radiation are being promoted in various parts of the country, such as Uyuni Phase II and Uyuni III in Potosí, Vinto, Corque, Toledo, and Quillacas in Oruro, and the Contorno and Patacamaya plants in La Paz, which strengthen the national electricity system. Also notable are the Viru Viru plants in Santa Cruz, Santiváñez in Cochabamba, and Aroma I, II, and III in La Paz. The wind farms mentioned by the government are La Guardia I, Cabezas I and Cabezas II, and El Dorado in Santa Cruz. Geothermal energy will be represented by the Laguna Colorada Geothermal Pilot Plant in Potosí. The government doesnt provide many details about the planned projects. Between 2034 and 2050, the growth in demand will be met by the gradual incorporation of wind, solar, and hydroelectric projects, it goes on to say. It concludes by stating that project financing is crucial and does not fall exclusively on the executive branch, as the legislative branch also plays a role in approving funding. |
