On Wednesday, four round tables were held on technical and market aspects of renewable energy in Latin America. They were followed by discussions on some of the key issues such as barriers, problem areas and potential opportunities in the region.

In the morning, the first roundtable on biomass and biofuels reviewed successful experiences in the region, including technical aspects and market realities of biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel. The second roundtable evaluated the region’s overall hydroelectric potential, focusing on small hydro power plants as an instrument of rural electrification and productive uses. Participants noted the large share of the market that hydroelectric power has in Latin America, noting it is a clean energy source. Panelists also noted benefits of mini hydroelectric plants, highlighting their positive impacts: providing access to energy, reducing energy prices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In the afternoon, a roundtable on solar energy analyzed developments in this field at the global level, focusing on productive applications in off-grid rural areas. Examples were provided of existing projects, barriers and constraints were examined, and future systems were described, capable of powering whole villages on a clean and efficient basis through AC coupling with photovoltaic plants.

The last roundtable addressed wind energy, describing pre-conditions for success and lessons learned, and highlighting existing potential in the region to improve the use of wind power and benefit from carbon market funding for renewable energy projects.

The four round tables were chaired by high level governmental representatives like Daniel Martinez, President of ANCAP (National Administration of Fuels, Alcohol and Cement), Uruguay –biomass and biofuels round table-; Jhonny Yánez, Governor of the State of Cojedes, Venezuela and Vice-president of OLAGI (Latin American Organization of Intermediate Governments) –hydro energy round table -; Jorge García, Vice Minister of Energy and Mining, Guatemala –solar round table- and Jerjes Mercado, Vice Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy of Bolivia –wind energy round table. The recently designated Minister of Industry, Tourism and Trade of Spain, Joan Clos i Matheu closed the wind energy round table.

The meeting was closed by Tabaré Vázquez, President of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay, Enrique Iglesias Iberoamerican SEGIB Secretary General, Jorge Lepra, Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining of Uruguay, and UNIDO Director-General Kandeh K. Yumkella.

Enrique Iglesias highlighted the results of the meeting, noting the great potential for renewable energy in Latin America and reviewed the efforts by SEGIB to promote renewable resources, share successful experiences, and enhance regional cooperation.

President Tabaré Vázquez noted Latin America’s historical link between energy and politics, where resources were exploited by foreign companies and later nationalized as a strategy for national development. He highlighted that the main objectives of energy policies should be the rational management of resources and ensuring access to secure, permanent, quality and environmentally sustainable energy for all people. He noted that energy consumption doubled in the region during the past 25 years without an equivalent reduction in poverty levels, he emphasized the human development goal of energy production and the importance of acting strategically as a region to integrate energy supply for the benefit of the people in Latin America.