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The world’s current electric power system is built around an early twentieth century premise: electricity must be produced on demand because, unlike most other commodities, there is no way to store it.  So those involved in the generation, transmission, distribution and even consumption of electricity have to invest for peak demand, even if that occurs for only brief periods during any given day.  The amount of surplus investment in assets getting inadequate use -- and therefore substandard returns -- has been a serious stumbling block for the industry for decades ...

There is a growing trend towards investment in renewable energy generation in Latin America, as the region’s abundant natural resources can easily be harnessed into clean energy solutions that will fuel the region’s continued economic growth.  A recent study by Bloomberg New Energy Finance shows that in 2010, over US$13 billion was invested in Latin America in clean energy generation, and is growing at a compound annual growth rate of 70% since 2004. That’s almost twice as fast as global investment in the industry, which in itself is among one of the fastest growing industries in the world …

Brazil and the U.S. are the two leading biofuel producers in the world. Together, they accounted for 76 percent of global production in 2010, yet there is a marked contrast between the two governments’ policies. The Brazilian government has demonstrated consistent support in the development of their biofuels industry over many years based upon sound technological choices; whereas, U.S. inconsistencies have led to economic distortions and created major uncertainties. The future of both domestic industries is becoming intertwined as biofuels must evolve from being defined by national boundaries to being defined by global commodities … 

In the renewable energy auctions held in Brazil on August 25th and 26th market forces yielded a significant reduction in wind energy prices. Wind energy contracts were awarded totaling more than 2 GW, at an average tariff of R$130.86 (US$ 75) per MWh. Prices bid for wind energy were lower than biomass and comparable with small hydro. The authorities are declaring a major breakthrough, placing wind energy firmly in the mainstream. It is perceived to be an important step towards achieving or possibly exceeding the government target of 15GW from alternative energy sources by 2035 ...

Argentina recently began a massive new energy investment program with a goal of reaching 8% of its energy matrix from clean energy sources such as wind, solar, and biomass by 2016.  This article is a brief primer explaining the basics of Argentina’s energy policy and legal framework for those looking to participate in one of the most exciting energy investment opportunities in the region that will attract US $5 billion dollars in the next few years. Argentina’s energy planning is the domain of the Ministry of Federal Planning, Public Investment and Service, under which the Secretariat of Energy executes …  

 But Argentina’s greatest success thus far has been in biofuels, specifically biodiesel.  Biodiesel is made from fats and vegetable oils, and each producing country makes use of the feedstock it has in comparative abundance.  Hence, Colombian biodiesel is made from palm oil, Australians use tallow (animal fat), Canadians use canola oil, and Argentina, soy oil.  Argentina is the world’s third largest soy grower and its largest soy oil exporter.  This abundance of biodiesel feedstock, coupled with export tax differentials that act as production incentives, has made Argentina the world’s number one exporter of biodiesel and the fourth largest producer overall …  

 Argentina has some of the world's most favorable environmental and geological conditions for wind energy generation, although to date this market position is yet to be fully utilized.  At a time when renewable energy sources are proven and have demonstrated their investment potential in Europe, the US and Asia, Latin America remains an untapped opportunity. The economic results of governmental research demonstrate a solid investment opportunity in Argentina's market for wind energy, coupled with rising energy prices and a national energy deficit. Companies such as Nowa energías that specialize in the complete management of renewable investment projects … 

 As home to the world’s last major tropical rainforest, one of the largest renewable reserves of fresh water, the planet’s most diverse stock of biodiversity, the best energy matrix of any of the top economies and the most successful industrial-scale production of bio-fuels, Brazil stands out in the environmental arena. In anticipation of the Copenhagen summit the Brazilian government made an ambitious pledge to reduce its emissions by at least 36% from business as usual by 2020. Brazil’s new agenda is, politically and psychologically, an important step and it is significant that the Brazilian government is now willing to voluntarily set a target …   

 The Atacama Desert is one of the driest, warmest and sunniest places on earth, analogous to the sunbelt of the US. Despite its excellent conditions for developing solar technologies, this movement has yet to take hold in the region. To better understand the Chilean reality in the solar market and the potential development of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) it serves to mention the landscape of Chile itself.

Chile is a long and narrow strip of land, located in South America. The country offers a rich array of climates and terrain. Continental Chile is approximately 4.200 kilometers in length and 300 kilometers … 

 The combination of pro-renewable energy legislation, economic stability and industrial demand are fuelling a vibrant wind power sector in Chile. The Latin American nation has limited indigenous energy resources, with the exception of hydropower. As a result, the country must import the bulk of its energy needs. Up until 2004 Chile met most of its demand for energy by importing natural gas through an agreement signed in 1995 with neighboring Argentina for them to supply 22 million cubic meters a day. However, subsidized energy prices in Argentina boosted domestic demand there, which consequently saw exports to Chile fall drastically…