Energy in Latin America and the Caribbean: The Current and Future Role of Conventional Energy Sources in the Regional Electricity Generation
Abstract
It is certain that energy production and, particularly the generation and sustained growth of electricity, constitute indispensable elements for the economic and social progress for any country. Energy, undoubtedly, constitutes the motive force of civilization and it determines, to a high degree, the level of the future economic and social development of a country. To ensure adequate economic and social growth it is vital, that all available energy sources are used in the most efficient and economic manner for electricity generation.
Electricity generation using fossil fuels is a major and growing contributor to the emission of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, gas that produces a significant change in the world climate. These changes are affecting, in one way or another, almost all countries in all regions. However, renewable energy sources for the generation of electricity, including the use of nuclear energy need not produce CO2 and would have no negative impact on the world climate. However, all approved plans for the use of nuclear energy for electricity generation in the coming years are under deep revision in several countries after the nuclear accident in the Fukushima nuclear power plant located in Japan in March 2011. As a consequence of this accident, some countries have already decided to suspend expansion of their current nuclear power programs; others have suspended the introduction of a nuclear power program for electricity generation, while others have decided to shut down all operating nuclear power plants in the coming years.
One of the main problems that the world is facing is how to satisfy the increase in electricity demand using all available energy sources in the most efficient manner and without increasing CO2 emission.
The preparation of a national energy policy, in which priorities and preferences are identified, should be one of the main governmental responsibilities. Every country’s energy mix should involve a range of national preferences and priorities in order to satisfy the foreseable increase in electricity demand without affecting the climate. These national policies and strategies should balance between expected energy shortages, environmental quality, energy security, energy cost, public attitudes, safety and security, and production and service capabilities.
... According to Morales Pedraza [21,22], Maldonado [23], Pande [24], and Bhatt [25], using hydroelectric plants for electricity generation has some advantages over other energy sources. These are the following: ...
... • • There is no burning of fuel since it does not exist, so pollution is minimal: Without a doubt, the electricity generated by hydroelectric plants represents the cleanest and cheapest way to produce electricity [21]; ...
... • Support for the development of other renewable energy sources: Hydroelectric energy is an important element of support for the development of other renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, as it can be used together with them and serve as a base load [21]; ...
China, a leading global energy consumer, is undergoing a significant shift toward a green economy. The main factors driving this shift are ambitious objectives to achieving carbon neutrality and a growing focus on environmental sustainability. This review examines the current status of China's use of energy resources within the context of the green economy. A review of the published literature was conducted to provide updated data and information on China's energy transition from fossil fuel-based electricity generation to the utilization of renewable energy sources. The discussion concluded that although China relies mostly on fossil fuels, it has made significant progress in renewable energy penetration in the national mix. Wind and solar electricity are growing rapidly, but hydropower dominates. China has demonstrated its commitment to renewable energy by surpassing many other large countries through a rapid investment in clean energy. However, thoughtful policymaking is needed to balance economic growth with environmental protection. This work emphasizes the urgent need to prevent new coal-fired power plants, adopt management rules to permit high renewable energy generation from the national grid, and allow cheap consumer prices to drive consumption and generation. While China's efforts to become more environmentally friendly are still ongoing, it has become a global leader in sustainable energy.
... • Increasing international co-operation in the energy sector (Morales Pedraza, 2013). ...
... Recent estimates put Cuba's total gross hydropower potential at 14,600 GW/h per year. It will be generated mostly from Cuba's 219 existing water reservoirs, which were constructed for water management and irrigation (Morales Pedraza, 2013). ...
Cuba, a small country in the Caribbean Sea with a total land area of 109,886 km² and a population of around 11.2 million, has no significant proved oil, gas and coal reserves and use, in a very limited manner, some of the four main renewable energy sources available in the country, generating just 50.1 GW/h or 4.04% of the total electricity consumed in 2015 (20,288 GW/h). In 2016, electricity consumption fell to 15,182 GW/h; this means a reduction of 25% in comparison to 2015. The renewable energy sources available in the country are: Hydropower, wind power, solar photovoltaic and bioenergy. In 2015, out of Cuba's total 566 MW of renewable energy capacity installed, 83% of the total was in the bioenergy sector. In 2016, the participation of renewable energy sources in the energy mix of the country reached 4.65%. The participation of renewable energy sources in the energy mix in Cuba should reach 24% in 2030.
... • Increasing international co-operation in the energy sector (Morales Pedraza, 2013). ...
... Recent estimates put Cuba's total gross hydropower potential at 14,600 GW/h per year. It will be generated mostly from Cuba's 219 existing water reservoirs, which were constructed for water management and irrigation (Morales Pedraza, 2013). ...
Cuba, a small country in the Caribbean Sea with a total land area of 109,886 km2 and a population of around 11.2 million, has no significant proved oil, gas and coal reserves and use, in a very limited manner, some of the four main renewable energy sources available in the country, generating just 50.1 GW/h or 4.04% of the total electricity consumed in 2015 (20,288 GW/h). In 2016, electricity consumption fell to 15,182 GW/h; this means a reduction of 25% in comparison to 2015. The renewable energy sources available in the country are: Hydropower, wind power, solar photovoltaic and bioenergy. In 2015, out of Cuba’s total 566 MW of renewable energy capacity installed, 83% of the total was in the bioenergy sector. In 2016, the participation of renewable energy sources in the energy mix of the country reached 4.65%. The participation of renewable energy sources in the energy mix in Cuba should reach 24% in 2030.
... According to Cubillas Meza (2012), Brazil began its nuclear program in the 1950s. This development was characterized by maintaining a scientific rhythm and level following the advances made in nuclear science worldwide. ...
The chapter explains China’s Role in the Expansion of Nuclear Energy in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Cuba, a small island in the Caribbean Sea with a total land area of 109.884 km 2 and a population of around 11.423 million, has no significant proved oil, gas and coal reserves. Also use, in a very limited manner, some of the four main renewable energy sources available in the country for electricity production, generating just 50,1 GW/h or 4,04% of the total electricity consumed in 2015 (20.288 GW/h). In 2016, electricity consumption fell to 15.182 GW/h; this means a reduction of 25% in comparison to 2015. In 2016, the participation of renewable energy sources in the energy mix of the country reached 4,65%. The different renewable energy sources available in the country are hydropower, wind power, solar photovoltaic, and bioenergy. In 2015, out of Cuba's total 566 MW of renewable energy capacity installed, 83% of the total was in the bioenergy sector. In 2016, the renewable energy capacity installed in the country reached 642 MW. According to the decision adopted by the Cuban government, the participation of renewable energy sources in the energy mix of the country should reach 24% in 2030, an increase of almost 20% compared to the level reported in 2016. Among the different renewable energy sources available in the country, solar energy is one of the main contributors to the national energy system, and also one of the leading supplier of energy to independent users all over the country.
It is an undeniable reality that energy production, particularly electricity generation and their sustained growth, constitute indispensable elements to ensure the economic and social progress of any country. For this reason, the possible use of all types of available energy sources in the country should be in the mind of politicians and energy experts during the elaboration of the best possible energy mix for the country. However, there are certain factors that need to be considered by the competent authorities of a country during the selection of the most efficient and economic combination of energy sources for the generation of electricity. For instance, the use of fossil fuels is a major and growing contributor to the emission of CO2, and, for this reason, any increase in the use of this type of energy source for this specific purpose will increase the emission of this type of gas to the atmosphere; nuclear energy and renewable energy sources are almost carbon dioxide free, but a nuclear accident could have devastator consequences for the environment and the population, not only in the surround area of the plant site, but for the environment and the population living far away from the site; the prices of some fossil fuels are increasing and the reserves decreasing; and some renewable energy sources are not ready yet to be used for electricity generation in large scale and inexpensively, at least during the coming years.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any references for this publication.