In September 2023, the Latin American Smart Grid Forum convened experts from 22 countries and 20 Brazilian states in São Paulo, Brazil to address the urgent need for energy network integration across the region. Along with ISGAN, multinational collaborators like the Global Smart Energy Federation and India’s Smart Grid Forum reinforced the power of global cooperation in propelling progress.
During an international panel on “Best Practices for the Requalification of Energy Systems for the Energy Transition,” ISGAN Chair Luciano Martini and speakers from across the world emphasized how the rise of distributed and renewable resources, digitalization, climate impacts, and potential market openings necessitate more nimble, resilient grids.
Other panels addressed the unique characteristics of Brazilian and Latin American grids including:
The urgent need to requalify the current energy transmission and distribution networks, adapting to the growing presence of distributed energy resources, renewable generation, energy storage, electric vehicles, and potential market openings.
How this requalification is integral to the energy transition, especially considering the unique characteristics of Latin American countries: The rise in solar generation, digitalization of consumer units, and climate change impacts demand adaptability and investment in reinforcing existing networks.
Addressing the need to replace aging infrastructure and enhance service resilience, which requires substantial investments, timely prioritization, and regulatory planning.
Highlighting the importance of establishing a long-term public policy that supports and incentivizes network modernization, echoing practices in other countries that provide quality services at reasonable prices.
By convening influential voices and exploring pathways forward, events like the Latin American Smart Grid Forum help energize momentum for building the flexible, sustainable networks of the future. The region’s energy transition relies on continued collaboration to adapt infrastructure and implement innovations amidst ongoing evolution. ISGAN will continue to share knowledge and best practices and looks forward to having more contracting partners to cover this region.
