The Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) and Ecuador’s Ministry of Energy and Mines organized the event “Energy Efficiency: A Cross-Cutting Pillar of the Transition” at OLACDE’s headquarters in Quito. The meeting brought together industry leaders to analyze progress and challenges in implementing energy efficiency policies in the region.
Energy efficiency is key to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy. During the LIV Meeting of Energy Ministers of OLACDE in October 2024, 22 member countries reaffirmed their commitment to improving efficiency by 1.3% annually until 2030, which could save up to 30GW of electricity in Latin America and the Caribbean—equivalent to the annual consumption of 20 million households.
The event featured the participation of OLACDE’s Executive Secretary, Andrés Rebolledo, and Ecuador’s Deputy Minister of Electricity, Fabián Calero, along with ambassadors from member countries, representatives of international organizations, the business sector, and academia.
During the meeting, Rebolledo presented an analysis of energy consumption in Latin America and the Caribbean: 5% in the commercial and public sector, 20% in residential, 30% in industrial, and 40% in transportation. “Real change in efficiency will happen in the transportation sector, but only with stable state policies and public-private cooperation can we transform the energy matrix,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Calero emphasized that energy efficiency is a commitment to sustainable development, crucial for reducing environmental impact and optimizing production costs. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening regulatory and institutional frameworks and promoting rational energy use across all sectors.
The event included an expert panel with representatives from Chile, Brazil, Denmark, Uruguay, and Ecuador, discussing energy regulations, public policies, and the implementation of ISO 50001 for energy management. The discussion also covered clean cooking, a key initiative in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Gabriela Prata Dias, Director of the Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency (UNEP), stressed the need for strong regulations and sectoral strategies. “The market alone is not enough; we need policies that drive innovation and allow us to review our national contributions under the Paris Agreement,” she stated.
Esteban Israel Flores, from PRONACA Ecuador, pointed out that efficient resource management is the most cost-effective strategy, followed by investment in innovation and technology. “Success depends on training, monitoring, and a solid methodological approach,” he said.
From Brazil, Rogerio Miranda, from Ecofogão, urged the modernization of cooking in Latin America. “If phones and cars evolve, why not stoves? It’s time to invest in cleaner technologies,” he stated. “We need technologies that transform firewood usage and reduce pollution.” This vision underscores the need for public policies that promote efficiency and innovation in the domestic sector.
Gustavo Lagos Aguilera, from Heavenward Elevators Chile, explained the potential of regenerative elevators to return energy to the system. “Turning an expense into generation is key to reducing costs,” he affirmed.
Sebastián Wainberg, from Uruguay’s Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining, highlighted the residential sector’s role in the transition. “Individual incentives are limited; we need communication policies and incentives to transform consumption,” he said.
Watch the full event at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw62qgfF3-0
