Hydropower still far from reaching potential in Bolivia

March 30, 2026
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Hydropower is one of the most important renewable energy sources in Bolivia, but it is still underdeveloped compared to its large natural potential. Here’s a clear overview:

Overview of hydropower in Bolivia

  • Hydropower accounts for a significant share of electricity capacity (~40%) in Bolivia.
  • Installed hydropower capacity is about 0.74 GW (740 MW) as of 2023.
  • It produces roughly 2.97 billion kWh annually.

However, Bolivia still relies heavily on natural gas (thermoelectric power), meaning hydropower is important but not dominant.

Hydropower potential

Bolivia has huge untapped hydro resources:

  • Estimated technical potential: ~126 TWh/year
  • Economically feasible potential: ~50 TWh/year

Only a small fraction of this potential is currently used, mainly due to:

  • High infrastructure costs
  • Difficult mountainous terrain (Andes)
  • Environmental and social concerns

Major hydropower plants

Existing plants (examples)

Most plants are medium or small-scale:

  • Corani – ~54 MW
  • Santa Isabel – ~93 MW
  • Cahua – ~30 MW
  • Chojlla – ~38 MW
  • Huaji – ~34 MW

Many are located in the Andean region, using steep rivers for generation.

New & large projects

Ivirizu Hydropower Project

  • Capacity: ~290 MW
  • Location: Cochabamba region
  • Completed around 2025
  • Currently the largest hydropower plant in Bolivia

This project is key to:

  • Increasing renewable energy share
  • Reducing dependence on fossil fuels
  • Supporting electricity exports

Role in Bolivia’s energy mix

Bolivia aims to:

  • Increase renewable energy share (especially hydropower)
  • Achieve energy independence
  • Potentially export electricity to neighbors (Brazil, Argentina, etc.)

Hydropower is central to these goals because it is:

  • Reliable (baseload power)
  • Domestic (reduces fuel imports)
  • Low-carbon

Challenges & controversies

Despite its benefits, hydropower development faces issues:

1. Environmental impact

  • Flooding of forests (including Amazon areas)
  • Ecosystem disruption and fish migration blockage

2. Social impact

  • Displacement of indigenous communities
  • Land-use conflicts

3. Geography & cost

  • Difficult terrain → expensive construction
  • Remote locations → costly transmission lines

Conclusion

  • Bolivia has massive hydropower potential but limited development so far.
  • Hydropower already plays an important role, but natural gas still dominates.
  • New projects like Ivirizu show a shift toward cleaner energy, though expansion remains complex.