Context
Bolivia produces nearly 60 per cent of its energy through the burning of fossil fuels – with the corresponding negative impacts on the climate. Despite the enormous available potential, the country only uses solar, wind, biomass and geothermal energy in a few demonstration projects. The Andean highlands are among the world’s best locations for harnessing solar energy. The Government of Bolivia intends to utilise this potential and thereby diversify its energy production, a goal that it has documented in the Alternative Energy Development Plan 2025.
The use of renewable energies, which guarantee both security of supply and environmental sustainability, is a major challenge for Bolivia. Staff in the responsible institutions lack the expertise needed to create the legal framework and to plan and implement concrete projects. Energy supply continues to be heavily subsidised by the state, impeding the operation of power stations that use renewable energy on a cost-effective basis.
Objective
Conditions for expanding grid-connected renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency are improved.
Approach
The Renewable Energies Programme provides advisory support to the Ministry for Energy on how to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, and how to go about establishing the necessary legal framework. It supports power companies with regard to the planning, construction and operation of wind and solar parks, which are to be connected to the public power grid. The project team, power companies and cooperatives also work together to develop solar-diesel hybrid systems in order to supply electricity to remote areas.
The new renewable energy systems need to be installed, operated and maintained. In cooperation with training institutions, the project team assesses the training needs for technicians and skilled personnel, develops curricula, and advises the institutions on introducing practical training programmes.
Germany has a wealth of experience, technological expertise and innovative application concepts in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Bolivia is to benefit from this know-how through potential cooperation arrangements with German companies and research institutes.