INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
achievements.Latin America uses less fossil fuels than the world average, making it ready for cleaner energy systems
clean energy and support countries relying on fossil fuels.Renewable energy is key to this change
(Photo Internet reproduction)Clean Electricity SectorLatin America already has a clean electricity sector, mainly from hydropower.Hydropower
is important but has expansion limits, especially in the Amazon
Climate change also threatens hydropower with droughts and rainfall changes.Solar and wind energy are promising, with Brazil and Chile as
Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Peru are adding more solar power than many other regions.Latin America could produce low-emission
Green hydrogen can help decarbonize hard-to-change sectors.Countries are starting hydrogen projects, but they face resistance due to water
use concerns.Fossil fuels are still big in Latin America
The region has lots of oil and gas but little coal
Argentina is developing shale gas, hoping to export it.Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia export oil, while Chile and others import oil and gas
Oil and gas production is rising, with more exports expected.Each IEA scenario shows rising energy demand in Latin America
How this demand is met depends on the scenario.Current policies keep fossil fuels dominant, but their share will fall slightly by 2030
If climate pledges are met, fossil fuel use peaks and falls more.In the net-zero scenario, fossil fuels will drop to half of the energy mix
