LA PAZ, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Bolivian President Evo Morales on Saturday announced the creation of a Ministry of Energy to promote both conventional and alternative fuels.
"It will be a new ministry of hope ... to guarantee a good future for future generations. The gas can run out, but electricity plants will never end," Morales said in announcing the measure at a public event in La Paz to inaugurate a new water distribution pipeline.
Morales said on his Twitter "we will create a Ministry of Energy ... to consolidate Bolivia as the heart of energy in South America."
The ministry, which will begin operating immediately, will have two deputy ministries, one to focus on conventional and alternative fuels, and another to center on nuclear energy and lithium.
Bolivia currently exports gas to neighboring Argentina and Brazil, but it is aware its gas fields may run out.
Morales is set to address the nation on Sunday, to mark his 11th year as president of Bolivia. On Monday, he will announce his new cabinet.
