Natural gas: a pillar in the energy transition in Peru

• Green energies are key to reducing emissions, however, their ability to offer 24-hour reliability is still limited.
• Natural gas is a key source to ensure efficiency and reliability in energy supply, under the need to incorporate renewable sources for a sustainable energy transition.

The energy transition is an important step for Peru, thanks to the fact that it boosts economic development, but also environmental sustainability and energy security. Although green or renewable energies, such as hydro, wind and solar, are fundamental to this process, their capacity to offer 24-hour reliability to the SEIN National Interconnected Electrical System is still limited. 

To ensure energy supply security, it is crucial to consider the available energy sources and how reliable they are, especially in regions prone to climatic variables such as Peru. In this regard, natural gas and thermal power are significant in providing a solid foundation for energy supply security and intermittency.

"The energy transition must be leveraged on technologies that provide firmness and reliability to the Interconnected Electric Systems and it is here where Natural Gas plays a key role by providing that firmness in the injection of energy to the SEIN, by not depending on weather conditions, solar hours or hydrological changes, among others. Peru currently has its own supply of Natural Gas, also with an important efficient Thermal Park of around 3,450 MW of installed capacity. This allows leveraging this transition and progressively eliminating the use of energy sources with high levels of GHG emissions, such as those based on petroleum derivatives, as renewable projects enter into commercial operation. It is also necessary for the rate at which these new projects are incorporated to be higher than the rate of demand," says Carlos González, Manager of Thermal and Wind Operations.

Peru stands out for having a relatively clean energy matrix in Latin America, with 50% from hydroelectric sources and 5% from non-conventional renewable energy sources (NCRE), according to data provided by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM).

Another important perspective is to adopt a comprehensive approach to energy resource planning, where a set of measures is designed to balance the three aspects mentioned: security, diversification and emissions reduction, although not necessarily 100%.

In conclusion, the energy transition in Peru must balance the incorporation of renewable sources with the reliability of supply, taking advantage of local resources, such as natural gas, to ensure a sustainable and resilient energy matrix in the face of climate variability.

It should be noted that Celepsa has been promoting the renewable energy revolution and the fight against climate change for more than 13 years. In addition, it is the first generator in the electricity sector in Peru to offset 100% of its administrative emissions and in its hydroelectric operations, obtaining the "Carbon Neutrality Certification" from Aenor, since 2021. Finally, today, it manages a diversified portfolio of technologies thanks to the recent incorporation of the combined cycle thermal power plant, Santo Domingo de los Olleros (Termochilca S.A.), as another of its subsidiaries to contribute to the country's energy transition.