2 March 2012: Stressing the role that renewable energy sources can play in addressing climate change while meeting Latin American energy needs, the Secretary General of the Andean Community (CAN) has suggested that the Community needs a renewable energy strategy.

Secretary General Adalid Contreras Baspineiro made the remarks in an address to a regional seminar on renewable energy, which convened from 1-2 March 2012 and was sponsored by the Latin American Development Bank (CAF), French Cooperation. It met at CAN Secretariat headquarters in Lima, Peru.

Saying that renewable energy development is very important for Andean integration, Contreras underscored the need to construct a CAN strategy on the issue. He suggested that it focus on coordination and integration of work being undertaken among diverse Community institutions, sectors and actors, with an emphasis on sustainable development that prioritizes environmental protection and food security and sovereignty.

The seminar, titled “Renewable Energy: Perspectives and Collaboration between Latin America and Europe,” included participation by scientific experts and authorities involved with renewable energy projects from Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Spain, Uruguay and Venezuela. The first day featured a CAF presentation on programs to develop new energy sources for Latin America and sessions on solar, wind, geothermal, marine and biomass energy, biofuels for ground and air transport, and energy and climate change. The second day featured sessions on energy use and storage and round tables on socioeconomic and international cooperation aspects of renewable energy development. [CAN Press Release]