Latin America. Ministers and high-level officials from Latin American countries that account for close to 70% of the region's energy demand met on October 7 to examine how to put energy at the center of their post-Covid economic recovery as they move towards more sustainable and resilient energy systems in a way that creates opportunities for all.
Chaired by Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, and Alfonso Blanco, Executive Secretary of the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), the virtual roundtable featured contributions from figures such as Brigadier Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of Guyana, and Mauricio Claver-Carone, President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Ministers speaking at the event represented many of Latin America's top energy producers and consumers: Minister Bento Albuquerque of Brazil; Minister Diego Mesa Puyo of Colombia; Minister Juan Carlos Jobet of Chile; Minister René Ortíz Durán of Ecuador; Minister Alberto Pimentel Mata of Guatemala and Personal Secretary Jorge Rivera of Panama. The discussions were also attended by heads of regional bodies, such as the Ibero-American Association of Energy Regulators and the Regional Commission for Energy Integration, and senior officials from Germany, Japan, Spain and the United States.
Participants agreed that the Covid-19 crisis has caused tremendous damage, but that it has also created some opportunities to improve Latin America's energy landscape, including by incorporating new technologies and more sustainable practices. They stressed the need to maintain momentum behind the deployment of renewable technologies such as wind and solar while ensuring security of supply, sufficient investments in grids and strengthening regional and international cooperation.
"This vital dialogue highlighted Latin America's many strengths, both in terms of its pioneering achievements in renewable energy, its rich energy resources, and its diverse and dynamic population. I am confident that the region has the potential to build a bright energy future," said Dr. Birol. "The IEA is very pleased to work closely with OLADE and the IDB on many fronts, and we look forward to further deepening this cooperation. The IEA is ready to partner with Latin American countries in the pursuit of a sustainable and resilient recovery from Covid-19."
"The pandemic is forcing us to review our long-term strategies so that our region's energy sector can act as an engine that brings much-needed dynamism to the post-Covid economic recovery," Blanco said. "OLADE is delighted to have partnered with the IEA for today's valuable discussions that will help inform the decision-making of Latin America's energy leaders in the future."
Source: International Energy Agency.
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