> **来源：[研报客](https://pc.yanbaoke.cn)** # Energy Transition Readiness in Latin America and the Caribbean ## Core Content The **Energy Transition Readiness Assessment (ETRA)** is a collaborative effort between the **World Economic Forum** and **Accenture**, aimed at evaluating the readiness of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to transition to a secure, equitable, and sustainable energy system. The assessment is based on the **Energy Transition Index (ETI)**, which benchmarks 118 countries across 43 indicators, measuring system performance and transition readiness. LAC is positioned as a region with **favorable structural conditions** for leading the global energy transition, including: - Abundant **renewable resources** (solar, wind, hydropower). - A **strong clean energy base**, with renewables contributing **70%** of electricity generation and **52.5%** from hydropower alone. - **Biofuels** are **twice as prevalent** as the global average in transport. - The region is a **major supplier of critical minerals** (e.g., **40% of global copper** and **35% of lithium**), essential for clean energy technologies. - **Clean energy investment** is projected to reach **$70 billion in 2025**, a **25% increase** since 2015. Despite these advantages, LAC's **energy transition progress is uneven**, and it **lags behind global trends** in terms of transition readiness. The region's **overall score** on the ETI has improved by just **1.2%** over the past decade, while the global average has increased by **6.2%**. Furthermore, **LAC ranks third in system performance** but **second lowest in transition readiness**, with scores declining by **0.8%** over the past decade. ## Main Points ### 1. **Energy Transition in LAC** - **LAC's energy system** is among the most **clean and sustainable** globally, with **80%** of countries scoring above the global average for energy sustainability. - **Renewable energy** dominates the region's electricity generation, but **fossil fuels** still play a significant role in transport and heavy industry. - **Energy equity** has improved, with access to electricity and clean cooking fuels increasing, but **78 million people** still lack access to clean cooking. - **Energy security** has plateaued and now **falls below the global average**, due to **high transmission and distribution (T&D) losses** and **limited system flexibility**. ### 2. **Challenges and Structural Barriers** - **Fragmented policies** and **infrastructure bottlenecks** hinder progress. - **Fossil fuel subsidies** remain a challenge, despite a **42% reduction** since 2016. - **Limited innovation and investment** in clean technologies and infrastructure. - **High T&D losses** (averaging **13.5%**) and **low clean tech R&D funding** limit the scalability of renewable energy. - **Dual energy dependence** is common, with many countries **exporting fossil fuels** while **importing refined fuels**, exposing them to **price volatility**. ### 3. **Opportunities for the Region** - **Clean hydrogen and fuels**, **critical minerals**, **digitalization**, and **advanced nuclear technologies** offer pathways to **industrial renewal** and **energy diversification**. - **Regional integration** and **cooperation** are essential to **scale success** and **improve efficiency**. - **Private investment** is needed to meet the **$150 billion annual clean energy investment** target by **2030**. - **Policy reform** and **institutional capacity** are key to **unlocking potential** and **achieving long-term sustainability**. ## Key Findings - **System performance** in LAC is stable, with **strong sustainability scores** but **limited progress** in equity and security. - **Transition readiness** is the **greatest area for improvement**, with scores **31% below the global average**. - **Only 26% of LAC countries** have advanced simultaneously in **equity, security, and sustainability**, highlighting **institutional and structural disparities**. - **Energy security** has declined slightly, with **T&D losses** and **import reliance** being key issues. - **Affordability** remains a challenge, with **subsidy reforms** and **clean tech exports** still underdeveloped. ## Strategic Goals for the Region 1. **Secure, resilient and integrated systems** – improving grid reliability and regional interconnections. 2. **Diversified, low-carbon energy mix** – increasing the share of renewables and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 3. **Future-proof industrial ecosystems** – leveraging new technologies such as clean hydrogen and nuclear power. 4. **Improved efficiency and productivity** – enhancing energy use efficiency and reducing emissions intensity. ## The Way Ahead To achieve **transformative impact**, LAC must focus on: - **Expanding renewable generation** and **developing storage solutions**. - **Securing universal access to clean cooking fuel**. - **Improving grid integration** and **reducing T&D losses**. - **Advancing sustainable biofuels** and **clean energy technologies**. - **Strengthening policy frameworks** and **regulatory environments**. - **Deepening regional integration** and **collaboration**. - **Scaling private investment** and **fostering innovation**. ## Conclusion LAC has the **potential to lead the global energy transition**, but it must **address structural challenges** and **leverage its natural and institutional advantages**. The region needs **bold action**, **collective effort**, and **strategic investment** to **align with global trends** and **achieve a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy future**.