Peru to boost renewables to 66pc of energy capacity by 2024

Peru has announced that renewable energy will provide 66 per cent of the countries power by 2024.

Edwin Quintanilla, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, made the announcement last week and hydroelectric, wind and solar power sources will be used to meet the target.

Peru currently sources 54 per cent of its energy from renewables, most of which comes from hydroelectric power that provides around 3,300 Megawatts.

A range of projects are under construction to help meet the target including 232 Megawatts of wind power applications.

The Marcona wind farm in the southern region of Ica was completed in April, becoming the first wind farm in the country, and has a capacity of 32.1 MW.

Peru is also aiming to develop a solar farm with research ongoing into a 200 Megawatts facility in Moquegua.

According to reports, Peru is aiming to set a benchmark in the clean energy sector that can be a reference point in the Latin American region.

Peru is currently 7th in the world in terms of renewables as a share in the country’s energy mix, with 54 per cent.

Costa Rica and Brazil are currently leading the global table with 74 per cent and 79 per cent, respectively.

Peru could move into fourth place if it reaches 66 per cent of renewable energy.

According to recent research, Peru has such high wind power resources that it could cover up to 70 per cent of the of the countries current energy demand.

Locations including Talara, Laguna Grande, Punta Atico and Marcona have been earmarked by experts the highest potential of all.

Solar power also has extremely high potential with vast resources in the south mountain range.

Up to 6 kwh per metre squared is generated per day which equates to one of the top solar resources in the world.