Latin America speeds up — but with contrasts — its energy transition

With a hydro base of about 41% and steady growth in solar and wind, Latin America is on track to reach 70% renewable capacity by 2030.

Leaders in clean electricity: Paraguay (100%), Costa Rica (89%), Brazil (85%), Uruguay (77%). Solar and wind already account for 17% of generation (2024).

The Atacama Desert in Chile has the world’s highest solar radiation, becoming a strategic hub for solar projects with Argentina and Bolivia.

From 2023 to 2028, the region is expected to add 165 GW of renewable capacity. Brazil and Mexico drive this expansion, supported by the RELAC initiative.

However, leadership is not uniform. Some countries advance decisively, while others struggle with outdated infrastructure, fossil dependence, and regulatory gaps.

The challenge is no longer natural potential. It’s political will and structured planning.Source: Journalists for the Planet