Latin America Solar Industry Paper

Growth was particularly strong in Brazil (3.5%), Argentina (3.2%), and Peru (3.7%) in the Latin American region

Few countries (basically Brazil and Argentina) in the Latin American region have developed wind maps to guide project developers. A low resolution wind map of the region was developed over a decade ago by the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE).

Solar energy is more evenly distributed, as good portions of the region lie within the Sun Belt Region of highest solar radiation. Thus, except for site specific adverse microclimates, solar energy is a predictable and reliable resource, capable of being transformed to heat and electricity by means of several technologies in different stages of development and are commercial availability Solar irradiance maps are available for Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and a few other countries.

As a natural consequence of the solar radiation available, photosynthetic activity in most of the region of study is rather high, and hence the high production of biomass fuels. In addition, many countries in the region have an economy based on agriculture, so that agricultural waste, forest residues and other residues from raising animals (e.g. manure or methane from decomposing waste) is also abundant. These resources are difficult to evaluate, so that information in a complied and analyzed form is difficult to find.

Argentina

Argentina Total Energy Supply

Natural gas with 50.8%, followed by 34.3% from oil, has the highest percentage of the total energy supply of Argentina. In 2002, the share of all renewable energy supply, with 11.4 % of the total energy supply, is not insignificant. The main renewable source is hydro energy with 6.6%. Other renewable technologies, such as cane products with 1.6%, charcoal with 0.4%, wood fuel with 0.3 % and other renewables, such as wind and solar, do not play an important role.

SOLAR POWER

The potential for solar power is abundant in Argentina. The greatest potential is concentrated to the north of the country and could be harnessed for peak loads.

Brazil, as in many other countries, oil also represents the main part of the total energy supply with 42.6%.The share of all renewable energy supply as a whole is significant, exceeding37% of total energy supply. There are two main renewable sources: hydro energy (14.8%), with the largest share, and sugarcane products, with a very sizeable percentage (12.5%). The renewable fuel wood portion and charcoal also play an important role (together representing 8%). The share of other renewable technologies, such as wind and solar, is very low.

SOLAR POWER

The potential of solar power in Brazil is very high. In almost every part of the country, it would be possible to develop new solar plants. Especially in the east where the solar radiation is ideal to marry production and load demand.

Chile Total energy supply

With 40.5%, oil plays the most important part of the total energy supply in Chile.

The second highest part is represented by natural gas (23.7%) followed by renewable energies (18.8%). Wood fuel (10.9%) and hydro energy (6.9%) are the two main renewable energy sources. The use of other renewables like wind, solar or geothermal remains nominal.

El Salvador Total energy supply

The main energy supply, in 2002, lies with 50.5% from renewable energies, followed by oil with 44.9%. The supply of renewable energies represents one of the highest in all of Latin America. Wood fuels with 24.7% have the largest proportion of renewable energies, followed by geothermal with 16.7%. Cane products, hydro energy and charcoal are subordinated. Other renewables are missing in El Salvador entirely.

SOLAR POWER

The solar radiation in El Salvador is significant and constant all over the country.

Only in the northern mountains are there areas where the solar intensity decreases.

Mexico Total Energy Supply

The main energy supply of 2002 lies with oil at 54.5%, followed by natural gas with 26.6%. The supply of renewable energies represents around 11% of total energy supply. Hydro energy has 4.2%, the largest proportion of renewable energies, followed by wood fuels with 3.8%. Cane products and geothermal are