The release of a national 10-year energy agenda by Brazil included the aim to triple renewable energy use by 2020 through $45 billion in government investment. This bold and long-term objective is symptomatic of a broader move toward traditional energy independence in Latin America. The share of the Latin American energy mix is much higher than it is in most developed countries with 70% coming from hydropower. While hydropower, geothermal, and biomass have until now been the thriving sectors in Latin America’s clean energy market, recent droughts and rising costs of copper coupled with economic growth have fueled energy demand forcing governments to look toward solar and wind energy. While solar and wind projects have higher upfront costs, renewable energy development is seen as a long-term investment to hedge against oil shocks. Advances in technology slashed solar costs by 40% in the last twelve months and have forecasters predicting that wind energy will be the fastest growing renewable energy sector. 

Latin American countries are beginning to realize their wind and solar potentials and foster their development though state-aided programs such as Brazil’s PROINFA and Chile’s CER as well as through setting national renewable energy targets. The Inter-American Development Bank, previously primarily a lender to governments is also actively participating in private lending for solar and wind development. In this meeting we examine the current state and outlook on solar and wind development and investment appetite in Latin America and its attendant political factors.

Wind and Solar Energy Investment in Latin America

• What variables and characteristics of the Latin American wind market have analysts predicting a strong future performance?
• What is the level of consumer awareness and confidence in solar and wind technology?
• What types of projects are of interest at the moment? (concentrated vs. distributed generation, rehabilitation of older systems vs. complete reconstruction)
• Have there been microfinancing trends?
• What are the reasons behind Latin American aggressiveness in solar and wind energy targets?

Regulatory Framework and Regional Partnerships

• What regional partnerships are being fomented between Latin American countries to foster wind and solar development?
• How has rule of law affected renewables investing in the past?
• What aspects of the regulatory framework need to change in order to ensure investor confidence?
• What are key governmental incentives that are driving private investment in renewables? (tax incentives, feed-in tariffs, etc.)
• What are the biggest political incentives for traditional energy independence?
• What are the current ways that Latin American countries can tap into the American market?

Speakers:

Global Energy Network Institute, Peter Meisen, President 

Log into www.agrion.org to create a new profile. Register below.

For any further questions, please contact: