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Analysis Of Rdl 13 2012 And The Energy Situation, Fundación Renovables
Analysis Of Rdl 13 2012 And The Energy Situation, Fundación Renovables
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
This document analyzes the effects of the moratorium on renewable energy incentives passed in Spain in January 2012. It draws the following conclusions: 1) Adjustments to the electric grid should neither be placed on consumers nor on energy efficiency & savings policies; 2) Although it is recognized that the power system is unsustainable, not enough is being done to reform it; and 3) Renewable energy is not the source of the tariff deficit; rather, despite the cuts made to renewable energy, energy costs continue to rise even as demand falls.
Will Cuba's Electricity Sector Hold The Country Back?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Will Cuba's Electricity Sector Hold The Country Back?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
A massive power outage hit two-thirds of Cuba's provinces earlier this month, a sign of the country's aging infrastructure. According to analysts, modernizing the system could cost several billion dollars. Meanwhile, two recent attempts at exploratory drilling off the Cuban coast have been unsuccessful. Will the electricity sector hold the country back as the government takes steps to liberalize the economy and increase consumption? How serious are Cuba's energy woes? Is the government partly at fault for mismanaging the sector, as some critics allege, or are sanctions entirely to blame?
Is Peru Making Inroads In Oil & Gas Development?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Is Peru Making Inroads In Oil & Gas Development?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
One of the Humala administration's priorities when coming into office was to accelerate oil and gas development. Peru has seen both successes, such as a large gas find in the Amazon earlier this month, and conflict, including attempts this month by indigenous groups to stop production at nine oil wells operated by Maple Energy. How successful have the country's efforts to develop the oil and gas sector been? What policies, models or strategies should the government consider implementing? Is the administration likely to make inroads with local communities that stand in opposition to such projects and will new consultation laws …
Will Opposition To Mega Projects Worsen Chile's Energy Woes?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Will Opposition To Mega Projects Worsen Chile's Energy Woes?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Chile's Supreme Court last month unanimously rejected the $5 billion Castilla power project, ruling that the 2,100-megawatt plant could ""harm the constitutional guarantee that one can live in an environment free of pollution."" Meanwhile, industry leaders, particularly in the mining sector, have warned that the country's shaky electrical grid is hampering growth and investment. Does the rejection of the Castilla plant represent a major blow to Chile's energy future? How serious are the country's energy woes? Will solar, wind and other cleaner energy sources become more prevalent and help make up some of the shortfall or are they too economically …
How Bright Is Solar Energy's Future In Brazil?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
How Bright Is Solar Energy's Future In Brazil?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
A ban on state subsidies for non-domestic solar panel parts is thwarting solar-energy projects in Brazil, Bloomberg News reported Aug. 8. While developers in Chile have announced plans for more than 1,000 megawatts of solar panels this year, that figure is just 67.5 megawatts for Brazil. In the face of cheaper wind power, new shale gas developments and the enormous potential of pre-salt discoveries, what is the short- to medium-term future of solar energy in Brazil? What more should the government do to promote the sector?
Will Venezuela's Petro-Diplomacy Survive?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Will Venezuela's Petro-Diplomacy Survive?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Henrique Capriles, the Venezuelan opposition leader running for president against Hugo Chávez, said on Aug. 1 that he would scrap preferential oil deals with foreign allies including Argentina, Cuba and others, Reuters reported. Capriles said the country would save $6.7 billion annually under his plan, money that he would use for domestic social spending. Meanwhile, state-run oil company PDVSA reportedly will need to set aside between $4 billion and $7 billion annually for the next five years to make payments on its heavy debt burden, analysts have forecast. Has Venezuela's petro-diplomacy run the end of its course? Which countries would …
Is The Argentine Gov't Helping Or Hindering Energy Growth?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Is The Argentine Gov't Helping Or Hindering Energy Growth?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
The Argentine government on July 27 announced a new energy investment plan that will increase government oversight of the sector, Reuters reported. Deputy Economy Minister Axel Kicillof will oversee a commission that evaluates the investment plans of private companies and will have the power to ask for changes or fine companies for failing to comply. What will be the practical implications of the decree? Will it spur growth in the long-struggling energy sector, as the government hopes, or scare off investors? Is Argentina's energy sector poised to do well considering the country's current economic situation?
What Accounts For The Erosion Of Interest In Brazil's Oil Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
What Accounts For The Erosion Of Interest In Brazil's Oil Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
U.S.-based oil company Anadarko has put its plans to sell some of its assets in Brazil on hold, failing to attract a high enough price as interest in the country's oil sector has waned, the Financial Times reported in July. Brazil has not sold new offshore permits for about five years, and state oil company Petrobras has had difficulty in meeting targets for increased production. High local content requirements and perceived political interference have also hampered investment and production, according to government critics. How much has the previously intense excitement about Brazil's oil sector cooled? What are the primary factors …
Where Is The Future Of Hydro Projects In Latin America Headed?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Where Is The Future Of Hydro Projects In Latin America Headed?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Colbún, the Chilean power company holding a 49 percent stake in the controversial HidroAysén project, announced last month that it is ""indefinitely suspending"" the environmental impact assessment for the project's transmission line. It is one of many regional projects that have faced local and environmental opposition, but have also been cited as necessary to meet growing energy needs. Are mega hydropower projects like this doomed in Chile and elsewhere in Latin America? What energy sources will fill in the void if such projects don\'t come to fruition? How are anticipated consequences of climate change, such as drought, going to change …
Is Latin America's Energy Sector Looking Up Or Down?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Is Latin America's Energy Sector Looking Up Or Down?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Given the potential of significant oil reserves in Brazil and Venezuela, large shale gas discoveries, plummeting wind energy prices and other developments, some analysts are highly optimistic about the general energy outlook in Latin America. Others cite opposition to hydro projects, vulnerabilities in energy-poor parts of the region, stagnation of oil production, unproved ultra-deep-water technologies and other hurdles as cause for major concern about the region's energy future. Are reasons for optimism weak? Or are pessimists underestimating the region's potential? What are the major trends in regional energy issues that we can expect in the period ahead, and how can …
Will Peña Nieto Be Able To Win Support For Energy Reform?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Will Peña Nieto Be Able To Win Support For Energy Reform?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Mexican President-elect Enrique Peña Nieto has said that reforming the state-run energy sector will be his ""signature issue"" and that he aims to refashion Pemex in the image of Brazil's Petrobras, Bloomberg News reported. However, the Institutional Revolutionary Party fell short of an outright majority in the country's Congress and energy reform has proven to be elusive in the past. Will Peña Nieto be successful in his bid to reform Pemex? What changes will he try to implement and what challenges is he likely to face in getting them passed?
What Are The Implications Of Mexico's Climate Change Law?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
What Are The Implications Of Mexico's Climate Change Law?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Mexico's Congress in April passed a landmark climate change law after three years of debate and revisions, Reuters reported. The bill's mandates require that 35 percent of Mexico's energy come from renewable sources by 2024 and carbon emissions must be 50 percent below 2000 levels by 2050, among other requirements. What will be the effects of Mexico's new climate law? Will the energy sector be able to meet the increased demand for renewable power? How do other Latin American countries' future energy plans compare with Mexico, and are they likely to adopt similar legislation? Does the law's passage reflect pessimism …
How Are Global Biofuels Trends Changing?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
How Are Global Biofuels Trends Changing?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
At the end of 2011, the United States overtook Brazil as the world's top ethanol exporter— though U.S. imports from Brazil have been growing as a result of domestic regulation in the United States. Countries like Thailand have also increased their ethanol exports to traditional Brazilian markets, such as China, as the South American nation struggles to meet domestic demand. What trends in the global biofuel market, including advanced biofuels and bio-based products, will be seen in the medium- to longterm future? How are Brazil's biofuels production trends and government policies for the sector changing, if at all? What accounts …
Energy, Theory, And Reality (Part Two), Marcelo Caffera, Lucila Arboleya
Energy, Theory, And Reality (Part Two), Marcelo Caffera, Lucila Arboleya
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Part two of two, this article compares the costs of fossil fuels/contaminating energy sources to those of renewable energy, arguing that Uruguay must shift energy production and consumption towards renewable sources.
What Is Behind Bolivia's Latest Energy Sector Nationalization?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
What Is Behind Bolivia's Latest Energy Sector Nationalization?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Bolivian President Evo Morales on May 1 seized the local unit of Spain's Red Eléctrica, the owner of approximately 85 percent of the South American country's power grid. Morales alleged that only $81 million had been invested in the country's power grid since it was privatized in 1997, while Spain's ambassador to Bolivia, Ramon Santos, said the takeover sends ""a negative message that generates distrust,"" the Associated Press reported. Will the state be able to effectively take control of the electrical grid? Is the nationalization a good thing for the Bolivian power sector and will it lead to increased investment? …
Energy, Theory, And Reality (Part One), Marcelo Caffera, Lucila Arboleya
Energy, Theory, And Reality (Part One), Marcelo Caffera, Lucila Arboleya
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Part one of two, this article takes a look at energy costs in Uruguay in recent years. It makes the case that spending should be shifted from fossil fuels/contaminating energy sources to renewable ones, which the authors state is actually less costly.
Law To Promote Renewable Energy In Argentina, Evwind
Law To Promote Renewable Energy In Argentina, Evwind
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
This article briefly describes a policy introduced in May 2012 proposing the creation of a national institute focusing on renewable energy development in Argentina.
Wind In Mexico: Wind Sector To Require 20,000 Windmills, Evwind
Wind In Mexico: Wind Sector To Require 20,000 Windmills, Evwind
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
This article discusses the potential and needs that Mexico has for continuing to develop a strong wind sector. It is projected that by 2020, Mexico will generate 12,000 MW of power.
What Are The Implications Of Mexico's Climate Change Law?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
What Are The Implications Of Mexico's Climate Change Law?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Mexico's Congress in April passed a landmark climate change law after three years of debate and revisions, Reuters reported. The bill's mandates require that 35 percent of Mexico's energy come from renewable sources by 2024 and carbon emissions must be 50 percent below 2000 levels by 2050, among other requirements. What will be the effects of Mexico's new climate law? Will the energy sector be able to meet the increased demand for renewable power? How do other Latin American countries' future energy plans compare with Mexico, and are they likely to adopt similar legislation? Does the law's passage reflect pessimism …
Peru: New Books Presented On Energy, Hydroelectric Projects, And Social Conflicts, Diego Lerma
Peru: New Books Presented On Energy, Hydroelectric Projects, And Social Conflicts, Diego Lerma
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
This article discusses the release of two new books that emphasize the importance of a national program dedicated to energy efficiency policy against climate change. The first book discusses energy policy in Peru while the second focuses on hydroelectric projects and their role in causing social conflicts in absence of a framework for energy governance.
What Does A State-Run Energy Company Need To Succeed?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
What Does A State-Run Energy Company Need To Succeed?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Argentina last week announced it would seize the 51 percent of YPF owned by Repsol, arguing that the company had not invested enough in the country's energy sector development. Meanwhile, the top two contenders for the Mexican presidency have suggested that state-run Pemex should be opened up to private investment, following examples in Brazil and Colombia, to improve productivity. What does it take to make a state energy company succeed? What policies should governments seek to emulate and which should they avoid? Does history stand on the Argentine government's side in YPF's nationalization?
What Role Should Governments Play In Regulating Land Use?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
What Role Should Governments Play In Regulating Land Use?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Roughly half of the deforestation that was avoided in Brazil's Amazon region from 2005-2009 was the result of governmental policies, according to a report released March 21 by the Climate Policy Initiative. Meanwhile, ""billions"" of investment dollars are on hold as Brazil considers a proposal governing land purchases, nearly two years after the country banned foreign investors from buying large tracts of land, the Financial Times reported. Meanwhile, the alarming rate of loss of Paraguay's Chaco Forest has also recently made headlines. What role should the state play in regulating land usage? How can Latin American governments balance preservation of …
Bolivia To Prioritize Renewable Energy, Evwind
Bolivia To Prioritize Renewable Energy, Evwind
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
This article summarizes the Bolivian government's plan to invest $40M dollars into renewable energy production. The goal is to ensure that 75% of the total power consumed is generated by renewable energy projects by 2015.
Is Chile's New National Energy Strategy A Promising Plan?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Is Chile's New National Energy Strategy A Promising Plan?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Chilean President Sebastián Piñera released a National Energy Strategy last month designed to formulate a comprehensive energy policy through 2030. In recent years, Chile has struggled to meet rapidly rising demand, and the plan's six priority areas are aimed at improving energy security in a more cost-effective and clean manner. Does the National Energy Strategy represent a feasible plan? Who is likely to oppose it and why? What are its strengths and shortcomings?
Is Funding For Renewable Energy In Latin America Adequate?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Is Funding For Renewable Energy In Latin America Adequate?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced March 16 that they will provide as much as $600 million in financing for renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects in Central America and the Caribbean over the next five years. Is $600 million a meaningful sum in the context of efforts to address the carbon footprint of Central America and the Caribbean? What are the financing needs for renewable projects across the wider Latin America region? How has the private sector's role in financing the region's renewable energy projects changed in recent years, and where is it …
Is The Global Energy Map Shifting To The Western Hemisphere?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Is The Global Energy Map Shifting To The Western Hemisphere?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
For the first time since 1949, the United States exported more gasoline, heating oil and diesel fuel last year than it imported, the Energy Department reported Feb 29, and imports of crude oil fell to a level not seen since 1995. Such advances in the United States, along with recent discoveries in Latin America of vast gas reserves in shale formations, subsalt oil deposits and renewable energy resources, have led some analysts argue that the global energy map is shifting from the Middle East to the Western Hemisphere. Is the ""world's oil map"" shifting away from the Middle East? What …
Will The Argentine Government Hinder Shale Investment?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Will The Argentine Government Hinder Shale Investment?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
In recent weeks, the Argentine government has faced off with the country's largest energy company, Repsol's YPF, blaming the increase in fuel imports on a lack of investment from YPF and other producers. Despite a previously good relationship, the government has threatened to nationalize YPF and banned it from exporting until a tax was paid, while the company has blocked politicians from its board meeting. Meanwhile, on Feb. 24, Argentine provinces demanded that energy firms raise their oil and natural gas output by 15 percent in the next two years or risk losing their concessions. Does the Argentine government's contentious …
Should Solar Power Be A Priority In Latin America?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Should Solar Power Be A Priority In Latin America?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Global investment in renewable energies is expected to hit $7 trillion by 2030, according to a new report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, with the deployment of solar power globally expected to undergo the second-fastest percentage growth of all renewable technologies (after offshore wind), more than doubling from today to 1,137GW by 2030. How do you expect Latin America's deployment of solar power will compare with other parts of the world in the two decades ahead? Where within the region are solar power's prospects brightest? Should solar be a priority for the region? What government policies and market conditions need …
What's Holding Back Clean Energy Lending In Central America?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
What's Holding Back Clean Energy Lending In Central America?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
The Washington-based Inter- American Development Bank earlier this year announced the approval of a $30 million medium- term financing facility for a Honduran bank to support loans to environmentally sustainable projects. The bank is developing a portfolio of loans to small- and medium-sized businesses in biofuels and other sustainable sectors. How important is lending to small- and medium-sized energy companies for their success? What challenges do banks face in Central America, in terms of regulatory measures or political uncertainty, as they seek to tap the SME market and emerging-industry businesses like those in the clean energy sector?
Will The Ethanol Sector In Brazil See Major Changes?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Will The Ethanol Sector In Brazil See Major Changes?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Brazil's Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) further decreased its forecast for the 2011- 2012 harvest in the south center region, which is responsible for 90 percent of the country's production. The organization now expects a drop of some 12 percent from the 2010-2011 harvest of 557 million tons. Among the reasons for the fall in output are lower agricultural productivity, unfavorable weather conditions and new diseases and infestations. Is the ethanol sector likely to see similar problems in the future? What role will biofuels play in Brazil's short to medium term energy future? Is the government likely to make any significant …