Topic: Affordable and Clean Energy

Varibles Used :

Bolivia relies on the state-owned National Electricity Company, which is responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity. Most of the energy is generated from hydroelectric power plants, while the rest comes from other sources. However, there is a lack of infrastructure, lack of investment, and lack of access to electricity in many rural areas. We started by running a correlation matrix to see which variables exhibit the strongest relationships with one another. We then decided to plot network coverage and electricity coverage as a scatter plot. To have network coverage, a substantial amount of electricity is required, so these results were expected. As the country of Bolivia increases electricity coverage across the entire country, the amount of network coverage will also increase because they depend on one another.

After graphing the scatter plots, we decided to provide a map overview of electricity coverage. This map shows the percentage of electricity each part of the country has access to and shows a better distribution of electricity between neighboring cities. One city can have 100 percent coverage, but the bordering city has 50 percent coverage. For instance, the city of Riberalta has an electricity coverage of 100 percent, while its bordering city Sena has a coverage of 20. This is because Sena is part of a reserve and is not occupied by many people. The graph brings to light how varying parts of Bolivia are able to have electricity because of outside factors and others cannot.

Then we graphed network coverage, which showed very different results. While most parts of Bolivia have electricity coverage, network coverage is not as prevalent in the same cities. This suggests that the government of Bolivia deems electricity coverage more essential to the people of Bolivia.

We decided to plot the amount of Kuaa computers delivered against electricity coverage and network coverage, in addition to creating a histogram for this variable. These are computers delivered to schools by the government, which contain audiobooks and other educational resources. They have been dubbed “Kuaa”, meaning “knowledge” in the indigenous language Guarani. These graphs conveyed that no strong patterns or correlations can be seen regarding the Kuaa computers, which was also depicted in the correlation matrix. From these graphs, we can ascertain that for most regions, very few (between zero and ten) computers were delivered. A small number of regions received twenty or more computers.

We then plotted bar graphs to see the amount of electricity coverage and network coverage across the nation. It is clear that there is higher electricity coverage than network coverage across the various regions. This makes sense since electricity is required in order for a region to receive mobile network coverage. In addition, electricity is a vital part of a developing country’s infrastructure, while phone network coverage may not be deemed necessary.

As seen from these graphs, the lack of electricity and network coverage in certain cities shows how access to these technologies affects the quality of life and hinders communities from advancing to renewable energy and helping save the environment, and advancing society. In the major cities, it is clear that having these advantages allows better municipal sustainable development and access to the three basic services: drinking water, hygiene, and sanitation. The results are clear in the cities that have access to these luxuries, but despite these efforts, some communities are facing challenges because there is so much potential for growth and be accessible to all. We graphed the Municipal Sustainable development index and basic services with electricity coverage. It is clear that as electricity rises, the accessibility of services and the ability to be sustainable increases and becomes higher in use and more accessible.

Variables Used

Bolivia is a country with diverse climate regions that present challenges for providing electricity to all corners of the country. Three key variables were examined in this analysis. First, electricity coverage in 2012 was found to be widespread across the country. Second, residential electricity consumption per capita was found to be highest in Tarija, Beni, and Santa Cruz, which are located in tropical and savanna climate zones. In contrast, the southwest region appeared to have lower consumption due to low population density, underdeveloped infrastructure, and limited availability of electrical appliances. Third, CO2 emissions per capita by energy were highest in Santa Cruz, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to reduce emissions.

Despite widespread access to electricity, power outages remain a challenge in Bolivia. The country’s electricity supply is largely based on hydropower, making electricity shortages and power outages more likely during periods of drought or low water levels in reservoirs. Additionally, the country’s electricity infrastructure is not as well-developed as in some other countries.

The geographical and climatic diversity in Bolivia present challenges in ensuring reliable and equitable access to electricity. The data on electricity consumption by region and CO2 emissions per capita underscore the importance of considering regional differences in energy access and consumption when formulating energy policies.

To achieve sustainable energy goals, Bolivia must continue to make targeted efforts and investments. Addressing challenges such as power outages, promoting sustainable energy practices, and reducing emissions will contribute to the country’s economic, social, and environmental development.