The acceleration of the energy transition presents a central challenge for the power systems of Latin America and the Caribbean: ensuring secure, continuous, and affordable supply amid the growing integration of variable renewable energy, rising demand, and climate commitments.
Against this backdrop, nuclear energy has regained prominence as a firm, low-emission generation source capable of complementing technologies such as solar and wind. Latin America and the Caribbean has an established track record through Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, which have developed technological, regulatory, and industrial capabilities over several decades. At the same time, other economies in the region are beginning to assess its potential, particularly in light of advances in small modular reactors (SMRs), which could reduce costs, implementation timelines, and infrastructure requirements.
OLACDE has advanced a regional cooperation agenda through the creation of a specialized Working Group focused on exchanging experiences, strengthening capacities, and fostering dialogue with international organizations such as the IAEA. The panel will examine the role of nuclear energy in regional energy security and decarbonization strategies, as well as challenges related to financing, public acceptance, regulation, technological innovation, and institutional capacity-building.
