The Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo, hosted the highest-level decision-making forum associated with the 11th Energy Week.
Beyond technical discussions and global projections, the foundations of Latin America and the Caribbean’s energy future are being shaped in the forums where policy translates into concrete action. Energy Week is not a standalone event; its origins and strategic direction stem from the Meeting of Ministers of Energy, the Organization’s highest governing and decision-making body. It is within this forum that the 27 Member Countries come together to translate the region’s shared needs and priorities into official policy directives.
Energy is central to discussions on economic development, technological transformation, and the environmental agenda. These pressing and interconnected issues are addressed at this annual gathering alongside development partners, strategic allies, and observers, whose diverse perspectives enrich the dialogue and strengthen Latin America and the Caribbean’s position on the global stage.
At its most recent session in Santo Domingo, held in conjunction with the 11th Energy Week, the 56th Meeting of Ministers of Energy convened over two days with the participation of all 27 Member Countries, reaffirming its strategic role in regional energy governance. The region’s highest energy authorities adopted a series of practical resolutions designed to guide the sector’s response to today’s challenges.
The following key ministerial agreements will shape the regional energy agenda:
- Artificial Intelligence and Energy (Ministerial Decision LVI/D/586): Ministers agreed to conduct a regional assessment of the impact of artificial intelligence on the electricity sector, including the growing energy demand from data centers. They also established a Technical Working Group (GTO) to promote the ethical, secure, and efficient use of AI technologies in smart grids and renewable energy systems.
- Electrification of Energy Demand (Ministerial Decision LVI/D/587): Ministers approved measures to advance a regional assessment and develop regulatory frameworks that facilitate electrification across priority end-use sectors, while promoting energy storage technologies and smart demand-side management.
- Establishment of the Regional Youth Council on Energy (Ministerial Decision LVI/D/588): This permanent forum for dialogue and participation was established to formally incorporate the perspectives, proposals and capabilities of younger generations into regional energy sustainability and the energy transition.
- Circular Economy and Life-Cycle Management (Ministerial Decision LVI/D/589): A mandate was established to assess and promote life-cycle management for clean technologies—including the recycling of solar panels and electric vehicle batteries—as well as the productive use of industrial waste and gas otherwise flared, and the development of carbon capture projects.
- Targeting of Energy Subsidies (Joint Declaration): Through a consensus-based declaration, Member Countries underscored the need to modernize energy subsidy systems by strengthening data interoperability and institutional capacities. The objective is to ensure that public support reaches vulnerable populations efficiently, while safeguarding fiscal sustainability and respecting each country’s national sovereignty.
Through the adoption of these coordinated technical and policy decisions, the 56th Meeting of Ministers of Energy has established a clear roadmap to strengthen regional cooperation, accelerate innovation, and advance sustainable energy development that delivers tangible benefits to people across Latin America and the Caribbean.
