Leading Energy Policy Issues in Latin America

Copyright © 2011 by the Latin American and Caribbean Center, Florida International University, used with permission from the publishersThis article provides an analysis of the energy sources in Latin America, including oil, natural gas, hydroelectric power, coal, traditional biomass, non-conventional renewable energy sources, and non-conventional hydrocarbons. It specifies the energy situation in three regions (Central America and the Caribbean, South America, and North America), and presents issues related to energy security, integration and geopolitics. Additionally, this article details why energy policy must consider three fundamental elements: efficiency, public corporations and energy prices. It concludes by analyzing Latin America's relationship to global climate change