Latin America Energy Integration: An Outstanding Dilemma

This chapter examines energy integration issues within Latin America, with a discussion of the current situation, focusing on both the “haves” and “have-nots” and the benefits and drawbacks from energy integration. It examines the opportunities and prospects for the future, in particular with a discussion of some of the benefits that might be attained from widespread integration of electricity markets within the region, and why these opportunities have not been achieved to date, identifying the geopolitical issues that should be considered in any integration effort, and the progress that has been achieved so far by looking at the regional experiences in energy integration. Among the conclusions of this chapter is the belief that for energy integration to succeed in Latam, a compelling belief is needed within policymakers and political establishment on the benefits that can be attained from such integration.