To meet global climate commitments, more than 80 million kilometers of transmission networks need to be added or upgraded by 2040 worldwide, equivalent to the entire existing global grid. However, of the $770 billion allocated annually for clean energy in emerging and developing economies, only a fifth is invested in building and expanding electricity grids. This is worrying, as annual investment needs in electricity grids represent nearly 38% of the investment needed to achieve zero emissions by 2050.
Electricity grid expansion is essential for integrating renewable energy and meeting regional climate commitments, although it faces significant challenges. Environmental licensing processes, which can delay projects by 5 to 7 years, along with socio-territorial conflicts and a lack of innovative financial mechanisms, complicate the advancement of these initiatives. The success of this transformation will depend on the implementation of innovative solutions, the adoption of advanced technologies such as high-voltage transmission (HVDC), and the establishment of effective community engagement processes. In a context of growing climate urgency, what tools will the region's energy sector stakeholders have at their disposal to overcome these obstacles and build a transmission system fit for the needs of the 21st century?
