XLIX Meeting of Ministers of OLACDE had keynote presentations by Paul Simons, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency and Roland Roesch, Deputy Director of the IRENA Innovation and Technology Center

The XLIX OLACDE Meeting of Ministers, held on November 14, 2019 within the framework of the IV Energy Week, was honored to have the keynote presentations by Paul Simons, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and Roland Roesch, Deputy Director of the Center for Innovation and Technology of the International Agency for Renewable Energies (IRENA).

The Executive Director of the IEA mentioned taking advantage of the meeting space of OLACDE Ministers to launch the World Energy Outlook 2019 in Latin America and the Caribbean, report published the previous day, November 13, 2019, which highlights the differences in the global energy system, the disharmony between well-supplied oil markets and the growing geopolitical tensions and uncertainties.

Paul Simons also reported that the World Energy Outlook 2019 presents the gap between the increasing amounts of greenhouse gas emissions that are produced and the inadequacy of the policies declared to curb those emissions in accordance with international climate objectives. He stressed the gap between the promise of energy for all and the lack of access to electricity for 850 million people worldwide.

The World Energy Outlook 2019, the main publication of the International Energy Agency, explains the impact of today’s decisions on the energy systems of tomorrow and describes a path that allows the world to meet the climate objectives, access to energy and air quality, while maintaining a strong focus on the reliability and affordability of energy for a growing world population.

Roland Roesch, Deputy Director of the Center for Innovation and Technology at IRENA, presented the document on the roadmaps for energy transformation based on two main axes; the decarbonization of the energy sector and the reduction of carbon emissions, in order to limit climate change. This report examines and marks an ambitious trajectory for the development of low carbon technologies in areas of a clean and sustainable energy future.

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XLIX Meeting of Ministers of OLACDE had keynote presentations by Paul Simons, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency and Roland Roesch, Deputy Director of the IRENA Innovation and Technology Center

Newsletter summary

The XLIX OLACDE Meeting of Ministers, held on November 14, 2019 within the framework of the IV Energy Week, was honored to have the keynote presentations by Paul Simons, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and Roland Roesch, Deputy Director of the Center for Innovation and Technology of the International Agency for Renewable […]

Capacity building & knowledge

We advance high-level technical training programs that foster experience-sharing and develop the human and institutional capacities required to drive energy transformations across our region.

Our academic programs offer executive courses, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and innovative initiatives focused on key areas such as the energy transition, conventional and renewable energy, electromobility, and regional integration.

OLACDE builds a regional network of energy expertise, connecting governments, young professionals, academics, and industry experts to foster collaborative solutions through technical cooperation and talent development to address future energy and climate challenges.

Technical cooperation & climate finance

We strengthen South-South and triangular cooperation as key drivers to accelerate energy transitions across Latin America and the Caribbean. OLACDE unites efforts among governments, multilateral organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector to mobilize financing, technical expertise, and innovative solutions tailored to our regional context.

We advance strategic initiatives aimed at directing resources toward decarbonization, conventional energy, renewables, and energy justice projects—building a more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable regional cooperation architecture.

Regional energy community

We are building a regional energy community with a global outlook, positioning Latin America and the Caribbean as a pivotal player on the international stage. OLACDE amplifies regional representation in key multilateral energy, trade, and climate forums by fostering strategic alliances and international cooperation.

Through flagship events such as Energy Week and new spaces for high-level dialogue, we champion a collective voice that attracts investment, drives technical partnerships, and unlocks sustainable development opportunities across our region

Energy transition & strategic projects

We foster a regional energy transition built on sustainability, energy security, and social inclusion. OLACDE supports Member Countries in adopting emerging technologies—such as energy efficiency, storage solutions, green hydrogen, electromobility, and grid digitalization—to accelerate the sector’s decarbonization.

Our approach promotes strategic projects that strengthen energy resilience across Latin America and the Caribbean, reducing emissions while building a cleaner, more competitive energy infrastructure. Key regional initiatives, including OEMLAC, position our region as a benchmark for climate innovation and sustainable energy development.

Energy information and data

We develop regional platforms dedicated to energy intelligence, technical analysis, and strategic data systems that empower both public and private decision-making across the sector. OLACDE drives digital transformation in energy by leveraging artificial intelligence, georeferencing, and advanced analytical tools to map regional energy trends.

The integration of systems such as SieLAC, along with new regional digital platforms, consolidates reliable, up-to-date technical data—enabling modern, interoperable, and evidence-based energy planning.

Regional energy integration

We foster cooperation across the regional energy sector by prioritizing infrastructure development, cross-border collaboration, and regulatory alignment to enhance energy security in Latin America and the Caribbean. OLACDE coordinates strategic projects in power grid interconnections, natural gas integration, and joint energy planning to build resilient, sustainable partnerships.

Working alongside the governments of our 27 Member States, regional blocs, multilateral institutions, and key public and private stakeholders, we drive initiatives that introduce innovative energy exchange mechanisms, strengthen national capacities, and accelerate a unified regional energy transition.