The First IRENA –OLADE Seminar on Renewable Energy in Latin America

The First Seminar on Renewable Energy Challenges and Opportunities in Latin America took place in Montevideo, Uruguay on 10-12 June. The seminar was  organised by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the National Bureau of Energy, Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining of Uruguay (MIEM) and the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE). Participants from 14 Latin American countries took part.

The Seminar’s opening ceremony was chaired by Roberto Kreimerman, Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining of Uruguay, Ramón Mendez, National Director of Energy Uruguay, Hugo Lucas, Director of the IRENA Knowledge, Funding and Policy Centre and Victorio Oxilia, Executive Secretary of OLADE.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Kreimerman mentioned that Uruguay was honoured to host this Regional Seminar, the first of its kind on the Continent. “We are enthusiastic…about renewable energy, which is a fundamental issue for the energy matrix of our countries, the world and civilisation itself” he said.

Mr. Lucas, Director of the IRENA Knowledge, Funding and Policy Centre, drew attention to the fact that IRENA as an intergovernmental organisation has a mandate to support its 150 members in the sustainable development of their respective renewable energy resources.

The Seminar made much progress on its four main objectives: i) to exchange experiences and best practices regarding renewable energy projects in the region;  ii) to highlight the strengths and weaknesses in the region in the promotion and development of renewable energy technologies;  iii) identify areas where IRENA can help overcome barriers to renewable energy that persist in the region and that hinder the development of these technologies; and  iv) identify opportunities for South-South cooperation.

Uruguay is a Member of IRENA and OLADE, and currently holds a place on IRENA’s Council.

Representatives from Central America attending the Seminar. Government authorities and experts from 15 countries in the region came together to discuss accelerating the deployment of renewable energy technologies in Latin America.

Victorio Oxilia, Executive Secretary of OLADE, Roberto Kreimerman, Minister of Industry, Energy and Mines of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Ramon Mendez, National Director of Energy, Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, and Hugo Lucas, Director of the IRENA Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre.

Victorio Oxilia, Executive Secretary of OLADE, Roberto Kreimerman, Minister of Industry, Energy and Mines of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay and Hugo Lucas, Director of the IRENA Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre.