Towards a new energy map of Latin America

Abstract

The war in Ukraine highlights the contradictory trends at work in the global energy system. On the one hand, hydrocarbon consumption has never been so high, while on the other, the deployment of renewables has never been so rapid, and electrification is progressing everywhere. Latin America, with moderata climate commitments, reflects these trends. Large hydroelectric dams, both existing and under construction, are providing decarbonized electricity production, particularly in Brazil and the Andean countries. Renewable energy are the subject of major development projects, from Mexico to Patagonia. Hydrocarbon production could be revived, benefiting from new locations, new technologies and a return to the markets of Venezuela. The energy map of Latin America is changing.