In preparation for the IV Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA) Ministerial that will convene in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on February 27-28, 2020, the OAS will convene a series of Ministerial dialogues. The purpose of these events is to seek the input and advice of Permanent Missions, international development agencies, multilateral organizations, and the diplomatic corps at large headquartered in Washington as the delegations of the 34 OAS member States prepare to convene in Montego Bay. The first of this dialogue series will focus on electric mobility in the Americas in September.

The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean are making considerable strides to advance low carbon growth. Examples abound of governments implementing policies seeking to foster energy efficiency, and supply increased energy demand with clean sources such as wind, solar, small-scale hydro, biomass, or geothermal. Furthermore, electric mobility is rising as a national priority in several countries.

Chile aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. In quest of this goal, it aims to 80 percent electric public transport by 2022. Santiago now has a fleet of 200 electric buses —the second largest in the developing world. The South American nation will also shutter all of its coal power plants by 2040, eight of which will be closed in the next five years.

Costa Rica, highly regarded for its environmental sustainability, is the only tropical country to have reduced deforestation. Its government has launched a renewed plan that includes impressive targets such as the elimination of fossil fuels by 2050; 25 percent private EVs and 70 percent electric public transport by 2035; and achieving 100 percent zero emission vehicles by 2050.

Jamaica leads the Caribbean’s push towards de-carbonization. The country, which now generates 18% of its electricity from renewables, is aggressively pushing towards the goal of having 50 percent of its electricity generated by renewables by 2030. Significant renewable energy projects are underway, including the existing Wigton wind farm, with an installed capacity of 62.7 MW, or the 51-MW Paradise Park solar farm which, when completed, will be the largest in the Caribbean.

The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean are conscious of the significant opportunities for economic growth and resilience that de-carbonization can create through expanded renewable energy use, greater energy efficiency, and the transition toward electric mobility.

The Ministerial dialogue series will provide a space to discuss experiences, policy options, and technologies to ignite sustainable solutions in the Americas.

For more information, see all upcoming events, here.