Map 2.1. The Region Has Vast Potential for Solar and Wind Power Generation

LAC has great potential for abundant, reliable, green electricity. The region has a great starting point and energy efficiency programs have great potential, but in the end electricity demand is projected to rise dramatically, as electrification of end-uses—mainly heating, transport, and some industrial processes—is a key component of de-carbonizing the economy. Thus, incorporating more sources of clean energy is a must for the region. Fortunately, the region is blessed with vast potential in non-conventional renewable energy (NCRE), potentially including geothermal, wind, solar, tidal, wave, biomass, and small hydroelectric plants.

The region has vast untapped potential in wind, solar, and geothermal energy. Mexico, Chile, and northwest Argentina are spanned by deserts that have some of the highest solar radiation in the world (map 2.1, panel a). Northern Colombia and the Patagonia region have huge potential to generate large amounts of wind energy (map 2.1, panel b). As for geothermal energy generation, while Central America and Mexico are more advanced, there is also potential in the Caribbean and some parts of South America. Moreover, agricultural refuse and waste from cities can be sources for biomass power generation plants.

Map 2.1. The Region Has Vast Potential for Solar and Wind Power Generation

a. Solar power potential b. Wind power potential

Daily totals:

Yearly totals: 2.6

Long term average of PVOUT, period 1999-2018 3.0 3.4 3.8 4.2 4.6 5.0 5.4 5.8 6.2

949 1095 1241 1387 1534 1680 1826 1972 2118 2264 500 km

kWh/kWp

Source: ESMAP (Energy Sector Management Assistance Program), World Bank.

Mean Wind Speed @ 100m - [m/s]

<2.5 2.75 3.00 3.25 3.50 3.75 4.00 4.25 4.50 4.75 5.00 5.25 5.50 5.75 6.00 6.25 6.50 6.75 7.00 7.25 7.50 7.75 8.00 8.25 8.50 8.75 9.00 9.25 9.50>9.75

Innovative mechanisms in several LAC countries have added large amounts of NCRE and have created some of the most dynamic renewable energy markets in the world. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Peru have all incorporated NCRE generation, promoting large private investments through renewable energy auctions that help keep costs down.

In addition, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean have vast reserves of natural gas (figure 2.7), which, due to its lower carbon content, can serve as a relatively clean transitional energy source displacing more polluting sources (coal, diesel, oil) and facilitating higher rates of renewables integration. Moreover, gas-fired plants are quite competitive in midcycle and peak demand applications because they can quickly and efficiently be started up and turned off, helping to balance the system. For this reason and until long-duration