COP26 – Nov 8: Latin America: Wind Power as a Key Driver of Net Zero

Wind energy has made significant inroads into Latin America’s energy mix, as a cost competitive source of clean energy and a key climate solution. Regional leaders such as Brazil and Chile have led the way in the region, relying on wind energy as a key driver of their national energy transitions. While more nascent wind energy markets, such as Argentina and Colombia, are following suit and tapping into their significant potential.

At last year’s COP25 in Madrid, 10 countries of the LAC region committed to achieving the regional goal of 70% renewable energy by 2030 via the Renewable Energy for Latin America and the Caribbean (RELAC) Initiative.

To achieve these targets, governments must work in partnership with the private sector to create enabling policy and regulatory environments to allow for accelerated investment in wind power. This means exploiting the vast onshore potential and open up Latin America’s waters to offshore wind.

The scale up required to meet the RELAC and the wider global climate goals will also need significant investment in making the grid more flexible to take on larger shares of variable renewable energy. This will be a key enabler for wind energy, as a key driver of decarbonisation and economic growth in the region.

Format: This event will be held in hybrid format in the Wind Pavilion, Hall 5, Blue Zone, Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow, UK. Live streaming will be available for those who are unable to attend in-person.

Kindly note that only those who are already accredited for the COP 26 will gain access to the event. The event organisers are not able to provide passes for attendees.

Registration for this event is free and open to the public.

Schedule

Panel discussion:

• Juan Paredes, Senior Renewable Energy Specialist, Inter-American Development Bank*
• Alfonso Blanco, Executive Secretary, OLADE (virtually)
• Jon Lezamiz, Global Head of Public Affairs, Siemens Gamesa
• Elbia Gannoum, CEO, ABEEOLICA (Brazil Wind Association)

Moderator: Emerson Clarke, Director of Growth and Partnerships, GWEC

(* indicates TBC)