Latin America and the Caribbean Leading Renewable Energy Transition with Focus on Hydrogen Expansion
Key Ideas
- Latin America and the Caribbean are on track to achieve over 75% renewable energy in their power mix by 2025, with a focus on hydropower, solar, wind, and green hydrogen.
- The region is expanding its solar and wind infrastructure to unlock its full renewable potential, aiming for over 80% renewable energy by 2035.
- 36 new green hydrogen projects are set to come online in 2030, positioning LAC as a key hydrogen exporter.
- While LAC excels in renewable power, it lags in adopting energy storage, electric vehicles (EVs), sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), and carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) technologies.
The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region is making rapid progress in transitioning towards renewable energy sources, with a target of incorporating over 75% renewables in their power mix by 2025. This transition is primarily driven by hydropower, alongside the increasing adoption of solar and wind energy. Furthermore, LAC is emerging as a hub for green hydrogen, with 36 new projects set to be operational by 2030, positioning the region as a significant player in the hydrogen market.
Despite the reliance on hydropower, the region is diversifying its renewable energy portfolio by expanding solar and wind infrastructure. By 2035, LAC aims to increase its renewable energy share to over 80%, with countries like Brazil, Guatemala, and Chile leading in renewable generation. However, the region still faces challenges in integrating emerging technologies like energy storage, electric vehicles (EVs), sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), and carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS).
The report highlights the potential of LAC in achieving its climate targets through renewable energy policies and increased renewable power capacity. The region's commitment to renewable energy and green hydrogen projects signifies a positive step towards a more sustainable energy future. As LAC continues to advance in the renewable energy sector, there is a need to address the lag in adopting other crucial energy transition technologies to ensure a comprehensive and successful transition.
Topics
Projects
Green Hydrogen
Renewable Energy
Energy Transition
Energy Infrastructure
Solar Power
Hydropower
Wind Power
LAC
Latest News