Bolivian photovoltaic roof

Can solar PV reduce energy poverty in Bolivia?

These efficiency savings can be estimated to about 22%, 14%, and 26% for BPS-1, BPS-2, and BPS-3, respectively. Furthermore, large-scale development of solar PV, particularly in off-grid communities, can serve to reduce energy poverty in Bolivia (Sovacool, 2012).

How much solar power does Bolivia have?

In the study of Jacobson et al. (2017), Bolivia’s all-purpose end load would be covered by 22% wind energy, 15% geothermal, 3% hydropower, 49% solar PV, and 10% CSP. For the whole of South America, Löffler et al. (2017), find roughly 40% shares of both hydropower and solar PV, with the remaining 10% covered by wind offshore and onshore.

Should Bolivia use solar energy to generate synthetic fuels?

Using Bolivia’s own excellent solar resources to generate synthetic fuels in BPS-1 and BPS-2 would result in energy independence and security. Due to the lack of GHG emission costs in BPS-3 fuel costs remain for the fossil fuels used in the heat and transport sectors. Fig. 23.

What is the primary source of energy for Bolivia?

The primary source of energy for Bolivia from this study is solar PV. Such high shares of solar PV in Bolivia are supported by solar resource findings in Breyer and Schmid (2010), which determined Bolivia to be among the ten countries with the maximum solar irradiation for fixed optimally tilted PV systems.

What will be Bolivia's energy transition?

This transition for Bolivia would be driven by solar PV based electricity and high electrification across all energy sectors.

Why are large hydropower installations planned in Bolivia?

Moreover, large hydropower installations planned by the Bolivian government is intended to produce export electricity, rather than for use within Bolivia (MHE, 2009).