Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are already using solar energy successfully. In fact, they have the broadest solar energy development roadmap outside of the North American and East Asian regions. However, the region aims to expand existing infrastructure and generate even more solar power. Solar capacity construction is currently more than four times that of Europe and almost seven times that of India.
Despite that, the data showed that solar energy is responsible for only 3%-4% of the electricity produced in the Caribbean and Latin America (LAC). However, that will change soon. The region has submitted nearly 250 projects that will help build approximately 19,429 megawatts of solar power capacity. GEM data suggests that the region will see at least a 70% increase in solar power supply potential upon completion of the program.
In addition, countries plan to develop wind power. YoIts capacity will contribute to the overall growth of solar energy production. As a result, LAC will achieve a strong expansion of clean energy supply. This will help inhibit the amplification of emissions from the electricity sector. The latter have already shot up more than 25% since 2010.
Which countries are the most involved in the project?
The largest economic and industrial centers in the region, including Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Chile, are behind this project. In fact, these five countries concentrate more than 88% of the current installed solar capacity. They are also developing 97% of the planned capacity additions.
In addition, the same countries provide approximately 65% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the region’s electricity sector. Ember’s survey showed that they have increased pollution totals by almost 36% since 2010. Therefore, they have more incentive to continue using solar energy.
Boosting the supply of clean energy will help the five largest economies in LAC to significantly reduce collective pollution. That will also contribute to the global efforts to be made with the global discharge of CO2 before 2050.
