Most Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Paraguay, annually prepare their National Energy Balances (BEN) in terms of final energy. These balances present the consumption of various energy sources by socioeconomic sectors but do not provide detailed information on efficiency levels or the specific activities in which energy is used. The BEN methodology allows for understanding the amount of energy available to each consuming sector (Final Energy), but not how much of it is actually used after passing through the usage system for the production of goods or services, once all transformation and transportation losses are accounted for (Useful Energy).
At the regional level, few countries have the methodology or resources necessary to develop a more detailed energy balance that includes consumption by subsectors, end uses, and technological efficiencies, which determine the amount of Useful Energy consumed. This type of analysis corresponds to the Useful Energy Balance (BEU). However, all countries promote policies for the rational and efficient use of energy to preserve natural and economic resources, protect the environment, and contribute to global climate change mitigation initiatives. The effectiveness of these policies depends on detailed knowledge of consumption patterns in each sector, allowing for the identification of energy-saving opportunities through technological changes, source substitution, or modifications in consumption habits. The only way to obtain this detailed information is through the development of the BEU.
In this context, the Republic of Paraguay is one of the beneficiary countries that, by applying the Useful Energy Balance methodology developed by OLADE and with its support, prepared its National Useful Energy Balance for the year 2023. This tool will be essential for the country’s energy and sectoral planning.
