|
LA PAZ, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Bolivia has great potential to be a key energy exporter for South America, officials said Thursday.
Bolivia can be "a key player" in energy generation and integration of energy sectors in the region as interconnections between Bolivia and its neighboring countries Brazil and Argentina are positive, said Emilio Uquillas, local representative of the Andean Development Corporation (CAF).
Uquillas made the remarks at a press conference held in the city of Santa Cruz, some 850 km east of the capital La Paz.
CAF, a Latin American development bank designed to promote regional sustainable development by financing public or private projects, has done several studies on Bolivia's energy potential, according to Uquillas.
The bank is set to undertake further studies to determine Bolivia's hydroelectric potential, he said, adding that current data shows the country has exploited only between 5 percent and 10 percent of its total potential.
At the press conference, Bolivian Hydrocarbons and Energy Minister Luis Sanchez said his country aims to export electricity from thermoelectric or hydroelectric plants by 2025.
"Our goal is to export, by 2025, 1,500 megawatts (MW) generated by thermoelectric power and some 6,500 MW to 7,000 MW from hydropower," said Sanchez.
According to Sanchez, Bolivia will generate most of its energy from renewable sources by then.
