The sustainable economic growth of Latin America and the Caribbean is closely linked to the development of its energy sector. Within the framework of the commitments made for decarbonization and the fight against climate change, the region is undergoing an accelerated transformation of its socio-technical practices of energy supply and demand. This process, far from being a threat, represents a strategic opportunity to promote new forms of regional integration based on the intelligent and sovereign use of the continent’s abundant natural resources and industrial capacities.
Latin America and the Caribbean possess unique comparative advantages: critical mineral resources (lithium, copper, niobium), high-quality renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydroelectric), biomass, water availability, and a growing network of public, academic, and technological institutions committed to sustainable development. At the same time, the global phenomenon of powershoring—the relocation of energy-intensive industries to countries with clean, safe, and affordable energy supply—opens a window of opportunity to position the region as a green and competitive industrial hub.
In this context, the development of regional value chains linked to the energy transition emerges as a key driver. It is not only about generating clean energy, but also about building industrial, scientific, educational, and commercial ecosystems that enable local value creation, generate skilled employment, foster innovation, and reduce structural asymmetries both among countries and within them.
This panel seeks to create a space for strategic reflection and multisectoral dialogue on the potential of regional value chains within the framework of the energy transition. It will explore synergies between integration infrastructure, local technological capabilities, institutional frameworks for trade and cooperation, and territorial productive development strategies.
