This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 7/12/2019

Overview

In 2010, the government began re-nationalization negotiations with electric companies that were privatized in the 1990s.  That year, the Bolivian government nationalized the three biggest electricity generation companies, Corani (French), Guarachi (U.K.), and Valle Hermoso (Bolivian Generating Group – Bolivian).  These nationalizations represent about 80 percent of total generation capacity.  An electricity distribution company was also nationalized.  All of these companies were put into the hands of ENDE (the National Electricity Company).

In 2012, the electricity transport company (TDE), which has a near 80 percent share in the transport of electricity in Bolivia, was nationalized.  Additionally, at the end of 2012, two additional distribution companies were nationalized.  These two distribution companies, along with the distribution company nationalized in 2010, account for 51 percent of the distribution market.   

In early 2017, President Morales created a new Ministry of Energy to support Bolivia’s efforts to increase electrical production, implement industrialization plans, and eventually export electricity, but implementation of the country’s export plans has been slow.  The government’s plans call for $27 billion in investments in the sector by 2025.

Bolivia’s current installed capacity is approximately 2,200 megawatts (MW).  Experts believe that Bolivia could add an additional 9,000 MW through various hydroelectric projects.  Bolivia signed a memorandum of understanding with Argentina in 2015 covering electricity exports, and Bolivia hopes to begin exporting small amounts of electricity by the end of 2019.   
 

 

2017

2018

2019 estimated*

Total Local Production

848.314

901.588

NA

Total Exports

0

0

NA

Total Imports

0

0

NA

Imports from the US

0

0

NA

Total Market Size

848.314

901.588

NA

Exchange Rates

6.86

6.86

NA

*The Bolivian government does not provide estimates.
(total market size = (total local production + imports) - exports)
Units: $ millions
Source: National Statistics Bureau (INE)
 

Leading Sub-Sectors

The best sales prospects in the electricity sector include machinery (mainly thermo and hydro turbines), equipment, and other technology for thermoelectric and hydroelectric projects.  Products related to renewables, including solar and wind, may also find a market in Bolivia.
 

Opportunities

Hydroelectric projects are currently under construction.  All of these projects are focused on increasing Bolivia’s installed capacity in order to free up excess capacity for export.  Furthermore, Bolivia has dozens of electricity generation projects currently under study (26 hydroelectric, six wind, five solar, three combined cycle, two biomass, and one geothermic). 

ENDE has announced that it is going to carry out additional transmission line projects, with six projects currently under study, and tenders for the provision of machines and supplies for these projects are expected in the near future.
 

Web Resources

National Electric Company ENDE
Electricity Regulator
National Committee for the Dispatch of Cargo

 

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