Renewables: What's going on in Latin America?

This is a snapshot of electric power installed capacity by source in Latin America, including the US$120bn invested in the region between 2010 and 2015. 

BNamericas’ data show 838 renewable projects (excluding hydro generation) in Latin America in early stages or under construction, with a total expected investment of US$110bn.

So, the investment trend is still strong and we will continue to see more project announcements in the coming years.

At BNamericas, we provide insights and news about the renewable energy industry. Below you will find content published during the last four weeks about the main markets. Or you canlisten to our podcast on investment trends in the main sectors we cover.

CHILE

Spotlight: The Chilean energy projects still awaiting environmental approval

Some projects were submitted as far back as 2013, and the biggest one entails investments of up to US$590mn.

Andes Green Energy attempts to revive US$4bn solar plant

The thermosolar-photovoltaic project would have capacity of around 1GW but has already been rejected twice by Chile's environmental authorities.

Chile eyes vehicle-to-grid technology

The proposed changes would allow users to return unused energy from their electric vehicles to the power grid.

Chilean renewables pipeline continues growing with new approvals

The approval of two more projects means July is shaping up to be a good month regarding approvals of renewable projects.

Chile watchdog set to give nod to US$466mn in projects

Environmental watchdog SEA issued decisions on three major projects.

Chilean infrastructure and the advantages of a circular economy

Speaking on the sidelines of a seminar in Santiago, Chile’s representative for the COP25 conference, Gonzalo Muñoz, told BNamericas how the local infrastructure sector can integrate circular economy practices.

Acciona moves along with Chilean solar pipeline

The 64MWp park will have 187,200 solar modules over 105ha, and is expected to start operations mid-2020.

Chile projected to supply 75% of demand with renewables by 2030

Industry representatives shared their views on the sector's future.

Is hydrogen the fuel of the future for Chile?

Hydrogen has several advantages for transport. But can it truly compete with conventional resources such as diesel?

European solar companies boost Chile's pipeline

The projects show the attractiveness of northern Chile's solar resources, which are considered some of the best in the world.

COLOMBIA  

Colombian renewables: How low can prices go?

The Andean country will stage an auction for long-term power purchase agreements from non-conventional renewable sources in October, eight months after an initial bidding process was stymied by antitrust concerns.

Colombia publishes new renewables auction schedule

The draft tender protocol is slated for release on July 30 and a list of participants will be published on September 7, according to a definitive bidding timetable published by energy ministry planning unit UPME.

Is Hidroituango back above water?

Bogotá-based energy consultant Alejandro Lucio tells BNamericas what the completion of Hidroituango's dam wall means for the troubled megaproject. 

Colombia updates rules for energy generators, distributors

The guidelines relate to natural gas and electricity distributors, beneficiaries of the reliability charge for the allocation of firm energy, and grid connections for non-conventional renewables.

Colombia opening doors to energy investors

Ricardo Ramírez, the director of Colombian energy ministry planning unit UPME, speaks to BNamericas about upcoming investment opportunities in the country's electric power and LNG segments.  

Colombia renewables tender an enormous opportunity

The government is expected to publish final bidding and contract terms by the end of June, paving the way for an auction in the second half of the year.

Colombian solar shift gathers pace

Developers have submitted plans for 138 solar parks this year as the government steps up efforts to increase the share of renewables in the country's energy mix. 

MEXICO

Renewables advance despite AMLO mindset

Mixed signals on renewable energy sources, namely solar and wind, likely stem from the president's enmity for the previous administration's energy reforms, but that isn't stopping the march of project development.

Banobras lining up over US$3.9bn for projects

Jorge Mendoza, CEO of the development bank, announced at an event a list of projects attached to the planned investments of 75bn pesos.

BRAZIL

Regulators to make or break distributed solar power in Brazil

As authorities forge new rules for the sector, much will depend on how they consider smaller players.

Why are oil companies so driven to investing in Brazilian renewables?

All of the major oil firms operating in the country have in recent years demonstrated their intentions to invest in renewables.

Brazil firms seeking new power solutions for offshore ops

Suppliers are starting to see demand for new technologies in tenders to contract equipment and services.

Brazil starts discussing regulations for the offshore wind market

At an international workshop in Brasília, experts informed about the environmental impacts of such projects.

The winners of Brazilian renewables tender

The tender will bring new investments mainly to the northeast region, where most of the wind and solar units awarded are located.

Solar the big winner in Brazil renewables auction

The source registered the lowest average price in the tender.

How the biofuels industry is improving its productivity

The segment saw a significant improvement in productivity between 2008 and 2018, according to a study.

EDP Brasil secures US$170mn loan for Brazil, Mexico renewables projects

The European Investment Bank granted the financing as part of its climate action lending objective.

GreenYellow to have 12 solar plants in Brazil by 2020

The company’s next units will be in São Paulo, Paraná and Rio de Janeiro states.

Brazilian solar firm eyes securitization

S&P has said it expects receivables funds to drive asset diversification in the country.

Casa dos Ventos, Vestas close deal for 445MW Brazil wind complex

The US$600mn Rio do Vento wind power complex will deliver electricity to consumers in the free power market.

PERU

Spotlight: the off-grid renewable energy auction, 6 years on

To date, nearly 134,000 solar photovoltaic systems have been installed in rural and isolated areas.

Engie Energía Peru wind plans receive boost

Also, a hydropower developer has lost its definitive concession following an appeal from another company.

Spotlight: Stakeholders dissect Peru power transmission plan

BNamericas provides takeaways from proposals submitted by distributors, generators and transmission companies.

At a Glance: Peru energy growth outlook

The country's comfortable reserve margin is due to fall in the coming decade amid forecasts of growing demand driven by mining projects.

Peru power project permitting watch

BNamericas provides an update on planned hydro and wind projects which total almost 700MW.

Second wind for Engie Energía Peru project

The company plans to build a 300MW wind farm in the central-south region of Ica.

The future of green bonds in Peru energy sector

Inés Vázquez and Alonso Miranda, Lima-based lawyers with Baker McKenzie, provide insight into the use of this new financing instrument.

Peru regulatory change could give new impetus to green bonds

Corporación Transmantaro issued a US$400mn green bond, a first for the country's energy sector.

Enel builds up Peru NCRE portfolio

The Italian group already operates wind and solar parks in the country with a combined 277MW.

ARGENTINA

Spotlight: Argentina’s ‘MiniRen’ renewables tender

Assuming most of the projects are approved, the final average price would be the most expensive ever tendered under RenovAr.

US$480mn Argentine hydro deal ready to be inked

Provincial power company EPSE told BNamericas the signing will mark the beginning of construction.

OTHER COUNTRIES

At a Glance: Costa Rica power expansion plans

The country's installed generation capacity from geothermal power now reaches 262MW with the start of operations at the Pailas II plant.

Honduran power reform ‘will take time’

State power company Enee's deficit is US$2.74bn, according to the government.

Ecuador to tweak framework ahead of NCRE calls

The government plans to offer projects for a combined 500MW to private developers.

Panama tackles thermo dispatch shortfall

The government launches bidding to build a new transmission line which will connect the capital and Colón province.

Panama solar development pipeline tops 500MW

Non-conventional renewable energy accounts for around 5% of the country's installed power generation capacity.

Will Panama economic growth spawn new NCRE project wave?

Renewable energies account for around 5% of power generation in the country.