Events

AGENDA | SPEAKERS | VIDEO

Geothermal prospects in the Latin America and the Caribbean are particularly good although countries in this region often lack the knowledge to design and implement successful geothermal development programs. To this end, the World Bank is interested in bringing together global experts, country representatives, donors and other relevant sector players to exchange and increase knowledge in the region and foster geothermal development in client countries. 

The World Bank and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) has had the opportunity to co-host the past eight Latin America and Caribbean Geothermal Congresses (GEOLAC), a definitive regional gathering of geothermal stakeholders for the region. GEOLAC has been a seminal event for promoting geothermal development in the LAC region, sharing regional and global experience, and showcasing the World Bank’s value added in this arena. Previous GEOLAC events, in Colombia, Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Mexico brought together over 100 industry professionals participating from the region and around the world. GEOLAC serves as a platform to allow the World Bank to further establish its leadership role in the geothermal arena in LAC, and advance dialogue with existing and potential clients. 

This year’s event is devoted exclusively to powering and heating Latin America and the Caribbean with geothermal resources.

Each day of the conference will begin with welcome remarks from the World Bank/ESMAP – Carine Clert, Country Manager, El Salvador, and Gabriela Elizondo, Practice Manager, Energy Sector, Latin America and Caribbean, respectively.

From an international perspective, Laura Berman, Senior Energy Specialist, will address the role of geothermal development in the region as it relates to the global pledge to triple renewables made at COP28, emphasizing the need for investable pipelines to attract private sector capital and accelerate the clean energy transition. 

Laura will also discuss the dynamics impacting the financing of geothermal energy, including the potential of alternative sources like impact investment, strategies to increase private sector finance, the role of multilaterals, the influence of new technologies on investor interest, and how stakeholders can leverage these changes to advance the industry.

David Avilar, Program Leader for Central America and Senior Energy Specialist, will moderate a session on the Caribbean: The Emerging Geothermal Success Story, focusing on Dominica’s success in geothermal development. East Caribbean neighbors from Nevis and Grenada will join the discussion, exploring the likelihood of regional interconnection.

Snorri Gudbrandsson, ESMAP Energy Specialist, will moderate a session exploring geothermal’s untapped potential to meet pressing social challenges in the region, particularly at the nexus of industrial growth, and food & economic security. 

Altogether, we anticipate the gathering of 200+ stakeholders of the highest levels of government, utilities, development, and capital providers.

For more event information:  https://newenergyevents.com/geolac/