Bolivia's government plans to drastically reduce the use of natural gas for electricity generation in favor of renewables, freeing up more gas for export.
The country added hundreds of megawatts in new renewable energy plants in the past 12 months and work is underway on nearly 1,500 MW in hydroelectric plants, geothermal installations, solar plants and wind farms.
Also in the works is the 105 MW Laguna Colorada geothermal plant in Potosi. The plan includes construction of a 5 MW pilot plant that will then be used to provide electricity for the subsequent stages.
"Geothermal energy is something that has been studied here for years, because it is very feasible to develop in Bolivia. We think it is an important option for changing the energy matrix," said deputy energy minister Bismar Canelas.