By 2035, Latin America and the Caribbean should replace around 62 million tons of firewood used annually in residential kitchens with electricity, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and biogas. This ambitious goal will require investments of close to US$7.7 billion, according to Technical Note No. 11 published by the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE), titled “Overview of Clean Cooking in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
The report states that firewood currently accounts for 31% of residential energy consumption in the region, and that achieving clean cooking access for 95% of the population by 2035 will require providing modern technologies—including electric, gas, or improved wood-based stoves—to some 50 million people.
This projected scenario involves partially replacing wood with around 1.7 billion cubic meters of natural gas; it will also require approximately 46 million barrels of LPG and 11 TWh of electricity.
Investments will need to focus on increasing electrical capacity, modernizing distribution networks, and promoting both local production and the import of the necessary fuels.
Partially replacing firewood with modern energy sources, combined with the adoption of efficient stoves, could generate a 33% energy savings by 2035 relative to current trends, with direct benefits for public health, reduced deforestation, and, in turn, progress toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
OLACDE emphasizes that the success of the plan also hinges on ensuring affordable prices, especially for vulnerable households, which are mostly located in rural areas where, when supply is obtained, it has traditionally come at low cost to families—something that is itself an integral part of local culture. In addition, household electrification will need to be accompanied by a considerable expansion of dedicated infrastructure.
