The energy transition, particularly in the electricity generation sector, is moving forward steadily in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, where there has been a significant increase in the use of non-conventional renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. However, as these intermittent generation technologies have gained ground in the energy mix, and electricity demand shows prospects of strong future growth due to the increasing electrification of end uses, including transportation, as well as the rising demand from data processing centers and the green hydrogen industry, the need has emerged to identify an alternative firm energy source. This would help reduce dependence on thermoelectric plants that operate with fossil fuels. For this reason, both the countries in the region that already have nuclear energy in their generation systems and plan to expand it, and those that do not yet have it and are considering the technology, are evaluating its inclusion in their medium and long-term expansion plans.

This technical note provides a brief overview of the current situation and outlook for nuclear power in the LAC region

Technical Note N° 13 An outlook on nuclear energy in Latin America and the Caribbean as a source of firm energy for energy transition

Newsletter summary

The energy transition, particularly in the electricity generation sector, is moving forward steadily in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, where there has been a significant increase in the use of non-conventional renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. However, as these intermittent generation technologies have gained ground in the energy mix, […]

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.

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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.