Clean Energy’s Future

Latin America Leading the Way in Clean Energy Transition

The urgent need to transition to clean energy sources to combat the environmental crisis has been emphasized by major international organizations such as the UN, World Bank, and International Energy Agency. While the warnings are dire, there is a glimmer of hope coming from Latin America.

According to recent reports, Latin America has made significant progress in adopting renewable energy sources. In 2023, 62% of the energy used in the region was clean, far surpassing the global average of 30%. Countries like Chile and Brazil have been leading the way in utilizing solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. In fact, Brazil was the second country in the world, after China, to see a 13% growth in wind energy in 2023.

The region’s commitment to clean energy is evident in the numbers, with 43% of the energy coming from hydroelectric sources, 8% from wind, and 6% from solar. Countries like Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil have shown significant growth in non-conventional energy sources, while others like Ecuador, Colombia, Guatemala, and Peru are lagging behind.

Latin America’s abundance of natural resources, such as lithium, copper, and silver, further positions the region as a key player in the clean energy transition. With some of the world’s largest lithium reserves, countries like Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia are exploring public-private partnerships to harness these resources for sustainable energy production.

The Goldman ecological foundation recently awarded its highest prize to an environmental activist in India, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity and fighting against destructive practices like coal mining. Latin America must continue to push for policies that promote clean energy and protect the environment for future generations.