OLACDE and IATA sign agreement to boost deployment of SAF in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish actions and cooperation mechanisms for the exchange of knowledge and information that will favor the development of regulatory frameworks and incentives in the region for the energy transition of the aviation sector towards the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). This event took place during the VII Energy Week in Panama from December 12 to 16.

The MoU includes a series of actions in OLACDE Member Countries, focused on the development and implementation of research and dissemination programs in several areas of collaboration, with emphasis on aviation fuels and new energy technologies for the aeronautical industry.

For his part, OLACDE’s executive secretary, Alfonso Blanco Bonilla, said that “the collaboration between OLACDE and IATA will serve to support the achievement of deeper energy transitions in the region, which has a vast and untapped renewable energy potential and a sector of such relevance for the social and economic welfare of the countries as air transport”.

IATA Regional Vice President for the Americas, Peter Cerdá, said: “As we move from commitment to action, it is critical that the industry has the support of governments to develop stable policies that will help decarbonize the global economy and meet aviation’s self-imposed goal of zero net CO2 emissions by 2050. Neither industry nor governments can do it in isolation. That is why we hope to work together with the Ministries of Energy subscribed to OLACDE to benefit the region and the planet, making Latin America a leading market in the production and distribution of SAF.”

IATA – International Air Transport Association

IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 290 airlines that account for 83% of global air traffic.

Find all the updated information at http://twitter.com/iata

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OLACDE and IATA sign agreement to boost deployment of SAF in Latin America and the Caribbean

Newsletter summary

The Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish actions and cooperation mechanisms for the exchange of knowledge and information that will favor the development of regulatory frameworks and incentives in the region for the energy transition of the aviation sector towards the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). This event took place during the VII Energy Week in Panama from December 12 to 16.

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.