The International Hydropower Association (IHA) is attending the annual meeting of the Latin American Energy Organisation (OLADE), reinforcing its commitment to advancing sustainable hydropower and pumped storage hydropower (PSH) across the region.
This region is falling behind globally in terms of installed capacity added, adding only 306 MW of hydropower in the previous year, as reported by the 2025 World Hydropower Outlook. The importance of hydropower cannot be understated with a mere 30% of the region's hydropower potential is currently being exploited, but even that satisfies approximately 45% of the continent's electricity demand.
There are expectations for growth in the future, with over 7GW of new hydropower advancing in Argentina, Bolivia, and Colombia by 2030, but the overall rate of hydropower development in South America has plateaued.
One of the key events at OLADE was the Meeting of Energy Ministers, the organisation's highest political decision-making body, where the 27 member states will define strategic guidelines to advance energy security, integration, and sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean. The International Hydropower Association calls for hydropower to be included in the agenda as a key proponent of energy in the region, and to provide the backup necessary for the influx of variable renewable energy sources coming online.
The market is poised to progress hydropower development, but the market alone will not deliver great hydropower capacity in Latin America. Governments need policy tools and examples from the rest of the world to get the most out of their resources. IHA represents the global hydropower industry alongside key members in Latin America, including Engie, Eletrobras, EPM, Neoenergia, and Salto Grande (Argentina), ICE, Pacific Hydro, Andritz, Enacom, GE Vernova, LSH Consulting Engineers and Intertechne. These leading organisations will provide perspectives on the policies, tools, and practices from around the world to help sustainable hydropower unlock the region's clean energy future.
Elena Perez, Chief Engagement and Events Officer at IHA, said:
"Latin America has some of the world's most significant opportunities for sustainable hydropower - especially through modernisation and pumped storage. By working together, governments, financial institutions, industry and communities can ensure these resources are harnessed responsibly to meet future energy needs. OLADE is a critical platform to share expertise, build partnerships and strengthen the role of hydropower in achieving the region's energy transition."
IHA looks forward to collaborating with industry partners and policymakers at OLADE to highlight the contribution of sustainable hydropower to regional integration, energy resilience, and a net zero future.
