Energy is crucial for the development of people and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
Energy not only makes it possible to illuminate our homes, take a hot shower, and preserve food; but it is also vital for the economy since it powers industry, commerce, and transportation. Energy is key for practically all activities in today's society such as science, education, and healthcare. Thanks to technology, the use of electricity will steadily increase, replacing fossil fuels. Although this may seem like good news, the generation of electrical energy can have negative effects on the environment if it is not done sustainably.
Challenges and Opportunities
LAC’s electrical network is relatively environmentally friendly thanks to a high level of hydroelectric power production. However, as climate change affects rainfall and reduces supply, countries may become more dependent on fossil fuels and their economies more vulnerable to price fluctuations.
To diversify their energy, alternative sources must be incorporated such as wind and solar, but also other backup sources such as geothermal energy and natural gas. Given their greater volatility and intermittency, renewable energy sources have to rely on better transmission networks and storage solutions such as batteries, thereby ensuring supply and adapting to the increase in demand. This transition and diversification process requires significant innovation and investment.
Our Commitment
To achieve the goals that Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries have set for renewable energy, investment must be dramatically increased. Although it is the private sector that drives the market, governments create the legal frameworks that reduce risks, foster competition, and promote technology. The IDB Group works with the public and private sectors to create the right environment and improve the financing that LAC needs.
We allocate our own capital and mobilize external resources. We offer financial products that are adapted to the needs of our clients and the markets in which they operate to reduce risks. We provide support in taking advantage of capital markets to improve long-term investment. We incorporate gender programs so that more women enter the energy sector; and we offer climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions for our clients and their projects.
We not only ensure the financial viability of each project but also the long-term social and economic impact. We consider environmental and social aspects, gender equality, climate change, and corporate governance.
Latest Projects Latest projects
Colombia
Dominican Republic
Brazil
Panama
Chile
Dominican Republic
Regional
Peru
Peru
Colombia
Publicaciones
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May 2022How can the Private Sector Promote Energy Efficiency? A Review of Lessons Learned and Evidence from Latin America and the Caribbean
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July 2018Renewable Energies in Latin America and the Caribbean: Honduras Solar Energy
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Fernando leads the Energy team at IDB Invest, which he joined in 2017. He is responsible for developing strategies, business plans, client management, and transaction structuring for the Energy sector in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Before joining the IDB Group, Fernando was Managing Partner of Antuko, a firm specialized in Energy in Chile and Mexico, where he led innovative commercialization structures for renewable energies.
Previously, he led the Environmental Markets practice for Latin America at J.P. Morgan. He has more than twenty-five years of experience in energy markets, with an emphasis on financing energy projects and climate change.
Fernando has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Maryland (USA), as well as a degree and a bachelor's degree in Industrial Civil Engineering and Electricity from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
Contact: fernandocub@idbinvest.org