One of the priorities on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the transition to clean and sustainable energy. Energy efficiency stands out as one of the fastest and most cost-effective options for reducing emissions, in addition to strengthening the energy security of countries. In this context, ECLAC, with the support of French Cooperation, is working on a study titled "Energy Efficiency in the Sustainable and Inclusive Transition of Latin America and the Caribbean: Progress and Policies", which is available as a preliminary document and attached in this news release (only available in Spanish). The document analyses the region's progress from the 1990s to 2020 through regional and national energy efficiency indicators by economic sectors, as well as the economic dynamics of energy efficiency and lessons and public policy instruments.
Energy efficiency aims to reduce energy use while providing an equivalent service. Under this definition, the study reveals that the region managed to improve energy efficiency from 97.5 kgoe (kilograms of oil equivalent) per thousand dollars of GDP in 1990 to 86.8 kgoe in 2022. However, despite the positive results across the region, efficiency decreases are lower compared to the global average, being only above Sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia and North Africa.
The Caribbean is the subregion with the lowest energy intensity, while the Andean Zone and the Southern Cone reveal the highest intensities. Under a sectoral analysis, the transport sector has recorded the most significant decreases through technological improvements, although for other sectors, such as mining and industry, among others, there have been increases in intensity.
The study also addresses public policy instruments used by countries in the region to promote energy efficiency. These instruments are organized into (1) Laws and regulations, (2) economic instruments, (3) planning and public management, and (4) financing and support. Successful examples are highlighted, such as: energy management for large consumers (Chile), building standards (Mexico), support for SMEs (Uruguay), and energy efficiency programs (Brazil).
The publication was developed as part of ECLAC's technical assistance products and was funded by French Cooperation. In this news release, you can download the working document, which will be processed and published soon.
