NEW REPORT: Electric Power Capex 2020

Latin America’s electric power sector is set to see dynamic spending in the coming years despite the near-term economic and operational challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

See the BNamericas Electric Power Capex 2020 report here

Renewable energy is expected to spearhead electric power investments on a global scale, with Latin America being no exception. A report published on April 20 by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) predicts that renewables will help lift the world economy out of its COVID-19 malaise and trigger GDP gains of around US$100tn over the next 30 years.

Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Argentina have driven Latin American solar and wind power investment over the past decade, while Colombia is seen as a new growth market following a watershed renewables auction last October.

However, obstacles abound for the region's project stakeholders and prospective investors. Falling electricity demand – prompted by government-enforced shutdowns to combat the health crisis – has left some distributors unable to meet contractual obligations with generators, especially in Brazil.

In addition, 2020 capital spending is likely to be impacted by temporary bottlenecks and postponements caused by the pandemic. Brazil recently suspended upcoming generation and transmission auctions, and there could be delays to nascent renewable projects in Colombia as suppliers from Asia struggle to meet equipment delivery deadlines.