For the purpose of this paper, all dollar amounts are in U.S. dollars, the term “Latin America” refers to all Central American and South American nations and Mexico, the term “Caribbean” refers to the island nations, and the acronym “LAC” refers to both Latin America and the Caribbean. Given this broad topic, this paper aims to present a snapshot of some of the best practices in the promotion and use of renewable energy, and provide practical examples of the development of renewable energy markets that countries in LAC can replicate. This brief study provides an overview of some of the most widely used renewable energy technologies. It also examines current and potential renewable energy markets in LAC, economic development benefits of expanding renewable energy markets, policy tools and mechanisms that have been used to build and promote renewable energy in the United States, and the role governments and the private sector can play. Finally, this paper presents a few recommendations for LAC countries. There are two tables in the appendices. One shows where renewable energy incentives exist in LAC and the other where renewable energy markets are in active development in LAC.
This paper benefitted from the editorial input of Sheila Mahoney.
Renewable Energy Best Practices in Promotion and Use — Andrea Luecke — Page 3