Decentralized renewable and inclusive energy systems in Bolivia

 

Bolivia is an important energy and natural gas exporter with significant influence in central South America. The country has ambitious plans to become a primary net exporter of energy to the region, with the goal of eliminating extreme poverty and universalizing basic services at home. Some of challenges it faces are limited access to low-quality energy services; a lack of knowledge and resources to improve productive activities, create employment and enhance living conditions; and discrimination against women attempting to access the formal labour market. As part of the response to these issues, enterprises located in rural and peri-urban areas are adopting innovative solutions through non-conventional renewable energy.

This project will study the incorporation of decentralized and inclusive renewable energy systems as part of the energy transition in Bolivia. This will involve creating green jobs for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises within the framework of the Bolivian Government’s Economic and Social Development Plan. It will engage multidisciplinary stakeholders through testing, training and implementing innovative solutions with researchers in the field. This approach will include a gender component to guarantee the integration of women and young people along the clean energy added value chain.

The project also seeks to inform public policy debates and outcomes on clean energy transition and to provide greater clarity on what is needed to ensure a just energy transition pathway. It will empower stakeholders and build advocacy support by localizing and deploying innovative renewable energy cases across Bolivia.