On July 17, the Executive Secretary of the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), Andrés Rebolledo Smitmans, participated in the EU-CELAC summit along with delegations from 60 countries with the aim of promoting cooperation. The event brought together political, financial and business leaders from Europe and Latin America and was organized by the European Commission (EC), the Andean Development Corporation (CAF)-Development Bank for Latin America and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
One of the thematic panels at the event, entitled “Critical raw materials and urban electric mobility,” was attended by the Executive Secretary of OLADE, Andrés Rebolledo Smitmans, together with the EU Executive Vice President for Economic Affairs, Valdis Dombrovskis, and other prominent representatives, such as the CEO of Spain’s Acciona Infraestructuras, Luis Castilla; the Mayor of Bogota, Claudia Lopez; and the founder of Brazil’s Voltz Motors, Renato Villar.
This roundtable discussion focused on analyzing the contribution of the mining sector in Latin America and the Caribbean to sustainable supply chains and their interrelationship with the mobility industry. In addition, challenges and strategies to incentivize and address the challenges of the e-mobility sector were addressed.
The event also included the “EU-LAC Business Round Table,” which delved into investment opportunities in renewable energy and green hydrogen, the role of critical raw materials, decarbonization projects and transport infrastructure, 5G and connectivity, digitization for public services and sustainable finance, as well as green bonds.
During his speech, the Secretary stressed that Latin America and the Caribbean have a historic opportunity to have two essential characteristics to promote a more sustainable model:
It is the greenest region in the world, both in its primary energy matrix and in its electricity generation matrix. In addition, it has the highest penetration of renewable energy worldwide, which is fundamental to conceive the electrification of different types of consumption.
It has a large supply of critical minerals, fundamental resources for energy transitions.
The EU-CELAC summit is presented as a crucial space to promote collaboration and cooperation on energy and sustainability between Europe and Latin America, highlighting the importance of moving towards a more environmentally responsible and socially inclusive future.
Communications and Institutional
Relations Department
josefa.corral@olade.org