Climate change is becoming more of a prominent issue and increasing renewable energy sources has been acknowledged. The burning of fossil fuels is creating more and more environmental downfalls. Expanding energy resources, especially those of renewable ones, are incredibly important to the future condition of the planet. The United Nations establishment of the “Affordable and Clean Energy” mission in 2015 shows the international goal of meeting climate goals.
About 25.8% of the Peruvian population are considered below the national poverty line, those mostly located in the Andean Highlands. These poor families generally have no access to certain services including that of clean energy. Because of the inexpensive alternatives to electricity, many use fuelwood and households with better incomes use liquefied petroleum gas. The Pan American Health Organization has shown studies that correlate this inefficient use of biomass to respiratory problems. According to the Peruvian Society of Renewable Energies (SPR), at the end of 2017, only 2.7% of Peruvian energy comes from renewable energy sources. “The demand for energy will increase considerably. If we do not diversify the sources, we will have to use our oil reserves, which is highly polluting and also has a high price, “says Coronado, president of the SPR. Peru understands the imperative need for a greater diversification to battle the climate change as well as protect the economy.
“The demand for energy will increase considerably. If we do not diversify the sources, we will have to use our oil reserves, which is highly polluting and also has a high price, “says Coronado. Peru recently has been expanding the reform of its energy policy to more renewable energy penetration over a larger area and to more communities. The government expects to install around 260,000 solar panels by 2021 by its total electrification plan and funding electricity generation and transmission projects. The delegation of Peru suggests the sale of renewable energy through public tenders, which also includes incentives to prioritize the dispatch of electricity. Projects, which could be funded through community cooperation and international partnership, of establishing more sources of renewable energy like solar panels and other electricity generation points.
- Christine Huynh
