Hydropower remains a cornerstone of the energy transition in Latin America and the Caribbean, thanks to its ability to generate large-scale, flexible, and renewable electricity. The region is home to 14% of the world's installed hydropower capacity and obtains nearly 45% of its electricity from this source, reflecting both its current relevance and its untapped potential: only 20% to 25% of available hydropower resources have been developed. This session will address the challenges and opportunities facing hydropower in the 21st century, including the modernization and digitalization of existing plants and the development of complementary technologies such as pumped storage, which is key to supporting the integration of variable sources such as solar and wind. The discussion will focus on how to maximize the strategic role of sustainable hydropower in the energy transition, strengthening the resilience of the electricity system, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and promoting cleaner, more secure, and balanced energy development over time.
