Thursday Agenda

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Master: Integrated Regional Planning

Time: 9:00 to 10:30

Room: To be confirmed

Data, Climate & Energy: Digitalization and Cybersecurity

Time:11:00 to 12:30

Room: To be confirmed

The objective of this discussion table is to evaluate and propose strategies for effective interaction between regulators, statistical and meteorological agencies, planning bodies and companies in the energy sector in the transition to resilient and unified data infrastructures. How the adoption of cloud tools and platforms is transforming data management in the industry, enabling more strategic, real-time data-driven decision making, will be discussed. The session will address the need to develop a common data infrastructure that facilitates the integration of information for more efficient and secure joint planning. Likewise, the best practices of data governance, the reduction of transactional costs in the use of common platforms and the inclusion of key actors, such as meteorological organizations and the scientific-technical sector, in these new infrastructures will be analyzed. The goal is to identify opportunities to mitigate systemic and eventual risks in energy infrastructure through data integration.

Critical Minerals for Energy Transitions

Time:11:00 to 12:30

Room: To be confirmed

The objective of this discussion table is to examine the strategic role of Latin America and the Caribbean in the global supply of minerals critical for technological development and the energy transition. The privileged position of the region in terms of reserves of lithium, copper, nickel and other essential minerals will be analysed, as well as the opportunities and challenges this presents. The panel will seek to identify strategies for the sustainable and responsible development of these resources, exploring ways to maximize the economic and social benefits for the region, while addressing environmental concerns and promoting the creation of added value. The necessary regulatory frameworks, investments in research and development, and how the region can effectively position itself in the global value chain of clean technologies, thus contributing to its own sustainable development and the global energy transition will also be discussed.

Transforming Data into Efficiency: Useful Energy Balances

Time: 14:00 to 15:30

Room: To be confirmed

It aims to share experiences and lessons learned in the development of Useful Energy Balance (BEU, for its acronym in Spanish) projects in Ecuador, Panama and Paraguay, as part of the European Union’s EUROCLIMA+ program. It will address how the demand for energy services, such as lighting and HVAC, translates into final energy demand through conversion devices and technologies, and how this influences energy efficiency. The BEU is presented as a crucial tool to identify opportunities for improvement in energy efficiency along the supply chain, from primary supply to final consumption. The discussion will focus on the challenges and benefits of implementing the BEU, highlighting its potential to optimise energy conservation programmes in key sectors, and the considerations needed to carry out these projects effectively and cost-efficiently.

Communication & Energy: Communication and dissemination tools as a key component for energy transitions

Time:14:00 to 15:30

Room: To be confirmed

The objective of this discussion table is to equip participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to become active agents of change in the field of energy transition. The energy transition, which involves a fundamental shift from fossil fuels to more sustainable and renewable sources, is crucial to addressing global climate challenges and promoting more sustainable economic development. Communication and dissemination play an essential role in this process, facilitating knowledge transfer, ensuring public acceptance and promoting innovative energy policies. The discussion will focus on the use of digital platforms, media campaigns and educational programmes to educate the population about the benefits of renewable energy and foster a positive attitude towards its adoption. In addition, it will explore how the dissemination of technical information and collaboration between experts can accelerate the implementation of new energy technologies, and how effective communication between policy makers and citizens is crucial for the formulation and acceptance of viable and socially accepted energy policies.

Just Energy Transitions

Time:16:00 to 17:30

Room: To be confirmed

It aims to explore strategies to ensure fair and inclusive energy transitions, ensure access to clean and affordable energy, and promote quality jobs. Current challenges will be discussed, such as the fact that 2.3 billion people still cook with polluting methods, with a notable gap between urban and rural areas. In Latin America, 16 million people lack access to electricity, and 77 million to clean cooking systems, especially affecting rural areas and indigenous communities. The discussion will address how to improve the quality of electricity service, key to economic development and well-being. In addition, the creation of sustainable jobs in renewable energy and clean technology sectors will be discussed, with a focus on ensuring fair and accessible working conditions for women, youth and vulnerable communities. It seeks to promote a comprehensive approach that allows everyone, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, to benefit from a sustainable and equitable future. Collaboration between governments, the private sector and communities will be essential to achieving these goals.

Social acceptance of wind projects in Latin America

Time:16:00 to 18:00

Room: To be confirmed

The panel aims to address the importance of social acceptance in the development of wind energy projects in Latin America and the Caribbean, considering their potential to diversify the energy matrix and promote a more sustainable future. The specific challenges of the region will be analyzed, such as the relationship with indigenous communities and their right to prior consultation, the impact on local economies based on agriculture or tourism, expectations for economic development and employment generation in rural areas, and the need to preserve biodiversity ecosystems. The discussion will focus on public perception of wind energy, concerns about impacts on the landscape and biodiversity, and community participation in project development. In addition, the regulatory frameworks necessary to balance community protection and the promotion of wind development will be examined. These considerations are applicable to all energy projects, and the conclusions of this dialogue may inform the management of other types of infrastructure projects. The importance of incorporating social acceptance from the conception of the projects and in all its phases will be highlighted to ensure their success and sustainability.