The fourth quarter began with the XXXII annual La Jolla Energy Conference on October 11-12 featuring a wide range of high-level public and private sector officials from the hemisphere.

Later in October and November, we hosted the first edition of our “Energy Ambassadors” workshop and training in the Mexican State of Sonora.

We published several briefs and reports focused on energy and nearshoring in Mexico, energy in Central America, a brief focused on the Milei administration in Argentina, as well as a unique infographic assessment of four Latin American NOC and their energy transition performance.

We ended the quarter and year focused on programs for the early part of 2024, with a keen eye on the intersection of energy and policymaking for the new Milei government and across Mexico’s unfolding presidential election cycle.

On the first day of the XXXII La Jolla Energy Conference, panelists and attendees shared experiences and knowledge as part of our Big Debates around decarbonization, energy security, digital transformation, the role of industrialization policy, geopolitics and a nightcap roundtable about China and Latin America. The second day continued with transcendental questions on the role of natural gas, the concept of electrifying everything and discussion of critical minerals in the region.

A series of deep dives into the energy sector outlooks in Brazil, Argentina, Chile and the Caribbean concluded the conference.

Read Summary Report »

In late October and early November, we launched and hosted the first edition of our “Energy Ambassadors” workshop and training in the Mexican State of Sonora. Leveraging our efforts in reports and briefs to foster a deeper understanding of the key issues facing Latin America and the Caribbean’s energy sector, we have also hosted dedicated “energy literacy” workshops.

Thanks to the support of Sempra Infrastructure, we were pleased to be able convene in Hermosillo, Sonora this year, after years of sessions with citizens across Baja California.
A series of deep dives into the energy sector outlooks in Brazil, Argentina, Chile and the Caribbean concluded the conference.

Our combined report and webinar sought to examine the specific challenges and potential energy-related solutions that will help determine just how successful nearshoring in Mexico ultimately becomes. As our report discusses, nearshoring is here, no longer just a possibility, but starting to have a tangible impact. Further regionalizing North America’s supply chains through nearshoring helps to reduce dependence on far-flung trade routes, minimizes delays, and achieves greater certainty and control over supply and manufacturing. Electricity has proven to be a particularly complicated challenge given the current state of electricity infrastructure, supply-demand dynamics, and the government policies currently being pursued. As we discuss, it may not only be an additional cost, but a potential deal-breaker for potential nearshoring companies.

See Report »

Watch Webinar Recording »

Javier Milei won a resounding victory in Argentina’s election on November 19. Having only served one term in Congress and with little formal political background or party apparatus, his 12-point defeat of Sergio Massa the Peronist candidate grabbed international headlines. That a political outsider who campaigned with a chainsaw and a draconian message won such a resounding victory underscored society’s desire for change.

This brief focuses on how the Milei administration can begin to deliver on those expectations as it pertains to the nation’s energy sector. With the additional caveat that these are also points to be considered and pursued in the first 100 days. Call them the honeymoon checklist.

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Launched by the Climate Finance Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GFLAC) and Clean Air Policy Center (CCAP) during the UN Latin America Climate Week in October 2023, the mission of the observatory is to encourage the development of sustainable finance taxonomies that are aligned with sustainable development goals, and promote regulated adoption based on environmental, social, and climate safeguards. It will monitor the landscape of taxonomies globally and regionally, to analyze and evaluate deficiencies and knowledge gaps in their development with a focus on LAC nations. The EC2 program of the IOA is a founding board member and will participate in discussion spaces, contribute with research and thought-leadership, and facilitate stakeholder engagement and communication efforts within the region.

U.S. Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian A. Nichols, stressed American diplomacy’s power and purpose during his October 10th remarks. He advocated for re-engaging, revitalizing, and re-imagining alliances to address challenges in the Western Hemisphere.

Nichols highlighted the significance of regional collaboration in tackling issues such as democratic erosion, pandemic-induced economic challenges, corruption, climate change, and humanitarian crises.

He discussed the exploitation of instability by authoritarian powers and outlined U.S. leadership efforts to build a more democratic, equitable, prosperous, and resilient hemisphere through support for nations like Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, defending election integrity in Guatemala, and aiding Brazil and Peru in constitutional matters. Nichols reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to safeguarding democracy through the Organization of American States (OAS).
Watch Recording »

In his keynote address, Honorable Chris Dodd emphasized President Biden’s commitment to strengthening U.S.-Latin America ties, acknowledging shared values and goals. Dodd highlighted the region’s vast natural and human resources, emphasizing its significant economic potential. Urging action on economic challenges driving inequality and migration fears, Senator Dodd called for coordinated efforts, uniting political and financial interests to provide expanded economic opportunities and security.

He advocated for enhanced collaboration among governments, the private sector, and international partners, emphasizing regional economic integration, particularly in economic and energy policies. Dodd stressed the private sector’s pivotal role in driving investment and creating quality jobs, underscoring the importance of seizing the current unique moment in the region, where most democracies prevail, emphasizing the windows of opportunity that must be promptly seized. Watch Recording »