Executive Secretary
IV International Conference on Sustainable Energy Development
CIDES 2025
This paper explores the prospects for expansion and transition of the electricity system in Bolivia, in a context of growing sustainability goals and climate commitments, considering that the country is highly dependent on fossil fuels and primarily managed by the state. It reviews this by integrating scenario-based expectations for the development of Bolivia, which has historically relied on a short-term planning approach and has finally established some long-term goals, seeking to expand its electricity system and integrate renewable energy into the mix, both in 2030 and 2050 plans. Three development scenarios are proposed: implementation of existing plans, expanded availability of natural gas, and a net-zero emissions scenario. The analysis of the power systems uses PyPSA-BO, a model adapted to reflect Bolivia's specific characteristics. The analysis concludes that, although there has been progress in energy planning, achieving a real transition will be a greater challenge than the one currently provided by the government, requiring policies that integrate the electricity sector into a broader and more sustainable energy framework.
Este documento explora las perspectivas de expansión y transición del sistema eléctrico en Bolivia, en un contexto de crecientes objetivos de sostenibilidad y compromisos climáticos, considerando que el país depende en gran medida de los combustibles fósiles y está gestionado principalmente por el Estado. Esto se analiza integrando las expectativas basadas en escenarios para el desarrollo de Bolivia, que históricamente se ha basado en un enfoque de planificación a corto plazo y finalmente ha establecido objetivos a largo plazo, buscando expandir su sistema eléctrico e integrar las energías renovables en la matriz energética, tanto en los planes 2030 como 2050. Se proponen tres escenarios de desarrollo: implementación de los planes existentes, mayor disponibilidad de gas natural y cero emisiones netas.
About The Speaker
Carlos A. A. Fernandez Vazquez

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