Several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have an adequate renewable energy generation capacity, abundant water resources and other favorable conditions to diversify the power generation matrices and decarbonize energy-intensive industrial segments. Breaking down legal, regulatory, financial, technical and market barriers can help them lead the charge on clean energy initiatives.
The Caribbean's first 'electrolinera' in the Dominican Republic exemplifies the private sector's commitment to the energy transition in a country aiming to significantly increase renewable generation in the coming years.
For the last two decades, there has been a boost in renewable energies in our region, initially led by Brazil, Chile and Mexico, which benefited from economies of scale when renewable energy generation costs went down and followed later by many other countries.
Manufacturing is one of the main money-making, job-creating sectors in Central America. The current prices of renewable energy and the adoption of efficient practices are starting to cut the path towards carbon-low manufacturing, a competitive edge that could lead to export markets.
Green hydrogen can revolutionize the energy, manufacturing and transportation sectors in the region, making it a global hub of the so-called "energy vector of the future." However, some major challenges to its sustained deployment need to be taken into account.
Bold and immediate action is needed for businesses and economies to leverage the transformative power of the private sector as we strive to meet our net-zero commitments under the Paris Agreement.