In a series of strategic meetings, the Executive Secretary of the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), Andrés Rebolledo, along with the Director of Integration, Access, and Energy Security, Gloria Alvarenga, carried out an intensive work agenda in Guatemala.
The first meeting was with the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, María Luisa Ramírez, where they addressed regional energy challenges and the crucial role OLADE plays in energy cooperation and development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Subsequently, the Executive Secretary of OLADE met with the President of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo, to discuss regional energy agenda topics and explore areas of collaboration between OLADE and the new Guatemalan government.
On another front, a meeting was held with the Minister of Energy and Mines, Víctor Hugo Ventura, with the objective of strengthening cooperation in the energy sector. Accompanying the minister were the Vice Minister in charge of the Energy Area, Fernando Castro, the Director General of Energy, Rony Jucup, and Rubén Maldonado of International Cooperation. The officials explored the possibility of strengthening cooperation specifically in the energy sector, agreeing to enhance Guatemala’s entry into the Methane Alliance and to conduct a long-term energy planning study.
As part of the agenda, Andrés Rebolledo participated with a keynote speech on energy transitions in Latin America and the Caribbean during the C2: Green Cement & Concrete 2050 Congress, organized by the Inter-American Cement Federation – FICEM. He highlighted the region’s wealth in energy resources, noting that Latin America and the Caribbean possess 31% renewable energy, more than double the world average. He also emphasized the great potential of 676 GW of renewable energy, of which only 29% is utilized. He underscored the importance of decarbonization and the key role of green hydrogen in the region’s energy future.
The visit also included a tour of the facilities of INDEGUATEMALA, a company engaged in the generation, transportation, and commercialization of electric energy, where they observed its solar panel infrastructure.
OLADE’s agenda in Guatemala focused on strengthening regional cooperation in the energy sector, exploring opportunities for joint development, and promoting a transition towards a more sustainable energy future for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Communications and Institutional
Relations Department
josefa.corral@olade.org
