麻豆社

In July 2024, Bolivia discovered the Mayaya Centro-X1 gas field - its largest find in nearly 20 years. With an estimated 1.7 trillion cubic feet of reserves, the announcement sparked excitement across the country, promising to help reverse a steep decline in domestic production and inject billions into the national economy.

South American based journalist Constance Malleret explores what this discovery means for Bolivia, not just beneath the ground, but above it. We hear from geologists working at the site, government officials spearheading the Upstream Reactivation Plan, and energy analysts questioning whether the country is leaning too heavily on fossil fuel optimism.

But striking gas also ignites debate. Bolivia has pledged to deliver 5,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2050 and build thousands of kilometres of transmission lines. Can these ambitions coexist with a new wave of gas expansion? Voices from the environmental movement say no, while government officials insist the two tracks are compatible.

Add to that the political tension. Supporters hail the discovery as a chance for Bolivia to reassert its role as a regional energy leader. Critics warn of over-dependence and urge reform, from scrapping fuel subsidies to attracting private investment. Left leaning politicians tend to want state-led growth. Those on the right call for market-driven solutions. And communities near the drilling zone face tough choices - welcome the promise of jobs or challenge potential threats to land and water.

(Photo: President Rodrigo Paz of Bolivia speaks during a celebration following the preliminary results of the presidential run-off election, in La Paz, Bolivia, 19 October, 2025. Credit: Claudia Morales/Reuters)