In a step toward the decarbonization of transport in critical ecosystems, the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) and the Kara Solar Foundation signed an agreement to promote electric mobility in the Amazon basin. This partnership aims to contribute to the transformation of river transport by replacing dependence on fossil fuels with clean technologies, through the development of electric navigation infrastructure tailored to the needs of local communities.
The agreement, signed by OLACDE’s Executive Secretary, Andrés Rebolledo, and Kara Solar’s founder, Oliver Utne, establishes a cooperation framework for financing and technical support in the construction of solar-powered electric boats. For OLACDE, this effort represents a concrete action aligned with its mission to promote regional integration and the efficient use of energy resources, positioning electric mobility not only as an urban solution but also as a vital tool for the sustainability of remote territories in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The memorandum also includes a technical training and knowledge transfer agenda on this technology. OLACDE will integrate its training processes and virtual platforms to strengthen the capacities of the involved communities. This comprehensive approach seeks to ensure that the transition to electric river transport is supported by the academic and technical backing required to guarantee its long-term operation in the complex Amazonian environment.
The project led by Kara Solar stands out for its community co-creation model, where solar technology is placed at the service of sustainable territorial management. By joining this initiative, OLACDE institutionally validates an innovative solution that can be replicated in other river systems across the region, promoting an energy access model that respects environmental balance and enhances connectivity for Amazonian populations through low-emission solutions.
With the signing of this agreement, valid until December 2027, both organizations reaffirm their commitment to technological innovation and the energy transition. This instrument represents a step forward in the regional mobility agenda, demonstrating that the energy transition in Latin America and the Caribbean is possible from the heart of the rainforest—bringing together international technical cooperation and local innovation to protect one of the most important ecosystems on the planet.
For further information, please contact:
Diana Soriano, Head of Communications
diana.soriano@olacde.org
