Regional Secretariat Latin America and Caribbean
The REEEP Secretariat for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is managed by the Organization of American States (OAS) through it Renewable Energy in the Americas (REIA) Initiative in the Unit for Sustainable Development and Environment.
RE/EE systems have the potential to contribute significantly to the power sector needs of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The region possesses considerable natural resources, which may be utilized for the generation of both grid-tied and off-grid electricity generation. These resources, including biomass, geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar, combined with energy efficiency systems, offer environmentally sound, cost-effective alternatives for reducing the consumption of fossil fuels.
Electricity generation patterns in the Americas vary considerably by sub-region. Both South and Central America have traditionally relied heavily on large-scale hydropower for their electricity needs. However, several factors have led to the increased use of fossil fueled generation over the past twenty years. These include: 1) power sector liberalization with an increased reliance on short term power sales agreements; 2) increased resource availability and reduced costs associated with natural gas fueled generation; and 3) limited availability of large scale hydro reserves. The Caribbean, in contrast, lacks large hydro reserves and has minimal petroleum production (with the exception of Trinidad and Tobago), has long been dependent almost exclusively on imported fossil fuels for its electricity generation.
The REEEP Stakeholders identified several key areas for interventions that will improve market conditions for renewable energy and energy efficiency systems in LAC. It is noteworthy that many of the proposed activities are practiced in one or more country of the region, but are unknown to others. Thus a primary objective for REEEP – LAC will be the intra-regional exchange of information and transfer of capacity. For this purpose LAC countries will participate in a clearinghouse to facilitate the collection and distribution of best practices, while coordinating regional dialogues through working groups including the technical areas of grid-tied, off-grid, and energy efficiency systems, and by themes, including policy, regulation and financing.
LAC countries eagerly anticipate the development of REEEP activities throughout the region, recognizing the tremendous potential to overcome obstacles to the use of RE/EE in the Americas, while sharing with the rest of the world many successful initiatives toward these objectives.
Contact:
REEEP Regional Secretariat Latin America and Caribbean
Organization of American States (OAS)
USA
Phone: +1 (202) 458-6261
Fax: +1 (202) 458 3560
email: mlambrides@oas.org