The Executive Secretary of The Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE), Andrés Rebolledo, participated in the Atlantic Council’s 2025 Global Energy Agenda, a key event where experts and decision-makers analyzed the main challenges and opportunities in the energy sector, with a focus on integration and energy security in Latin America and the Caribbean.
In his speech, Rebolledo highlighted the importance of overcoming regulatory barriers and strengthening regional planning to promote greater electricity interconnection. He also emphasized the key role of the region in the production of critical minerals, representing 25% of the global supply.
“Today, we supply critical minerals to the world and play a key role, but the challenge is to advance the industrialization of the sector in our region. OLACDE is working to strengthen cooperation between countries and establish collective initiatives to drive this development,” said Rebolledo.
Beyond extraction, he underscored the importance of building regional value chains and strengthening national industries, allowing the region to maximize this strategic advantage.
Energy integration in Latin America and the Caribbean has been a regional ambition for decades; however, it still faces challenges in becoming a reality. In this regard, Rebolledo reiterated the need to overcome regulatory barriers and strengthen regional planning for greater interconnection.
While Central America has electricity markets with daily exchanges, South America still relies on bilateral connections without a unified approach. Additionally, natural gas plays a key role as a strategic resource with the potential to strengthen energy cooperation in the region.
“Energy integration is not just about infrastructure; it also requires solid regulatory frameworks that enable the creation of an efficient regional market. We must move towards energy planning that goes beyond the national level and incorporates a shared regional vision,” added the OLACDE Executive Secretary.
In this context, regulatory harmonization and regional-level planning stand out as essential elements for developing a more competitive and resilient energy market.
Rebolledo also stressed that transforming the energy sector in the region requires significant investments and a stable regulatory framework. Looking ahead to 2050, the region is expected to need to double its electricity capacity, reaching 1,000 gigawatts.
“Latin America has the opportunity to offer the world clean, competitive, and secure energy. To achieve this, it is essential to have state policies in the energy sector that guarantee long-term stability and confidence.”
The energy transition does not depend solely on infrastructure and technology but also on clear rules that facilitate financing and promote sustainable investments over time.
OLACDE reaffirms its commitment to the sustainable development of the region, driving regional cooperation and promoting energy integration to ensure a secure, efficient, and resilient energy future.
