Spatial analysis of the potential for electrification of ponds intended for fish farming in tropical areas of Bolivia and first estimate of the added power of distributed generation, fuel savings and CO2 emissions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52428/20758944.v21i58.1387Keywords:
Productive uses of energy, Energy transition, PV distributed generation, Fish farming electrificationAbstract
Fish farming is a growing activity in the Tropics of Cochabamba, Bolivia, and represents a key opportunity for local economic development under sustainability criteria. However, the use of gasoline-powered water pumps for pond fill and oxygenation generates significant CO₂ emissions and high operating costs. This study conducted a spatial analysis to estimate the electrification potential of fish farming ponds through distributed generation systems interconnected to the national electric grid. Geographic data were processed using QGIS, considering 100 m and 500 m buffer areas around the power grid. The results showed that 83.57% of the 17,396 ponds recorded in 2023 are located within these areas, presenting a significant opportunity to reduce emissions. Replacing fossil fuel use by distributed generation systems could prevent approximately 5.856,3 tons of CO₂ emissions per year, through the installation of 2,49 MWp of photovoltaic panels, generating 30,7 GWh/year and an investment need in the region of 6,7 million USD for this universe. This change would also be profitable for the fish farmer, due to the high cost of gasoline.
These findings highlight the strong potential for implementing clean technologies in Bolivian aquaculture, aligned with the goals of a just energy transition.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Fernández Vázquez, T.D.I.M., Fernández Fuentes, M.H.
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