Energy Law and Energy Transition in Latin America and the Caribbean

1. Introduction

Sustainable energy development requires a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework that governs the sector. This course addresses the fundamentals of Energy Law, its evolution in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the key role of the regulatory framework in the energy transition and decarbonization. In a region characterized by a high diversity of energy resources and socioeconomic realities, having clear, coherent, and adaptive regulatory frameworks is essential to attract investments, foster competition, guarantee equitable access to energy, and promote clean technologies. Effective regulation also allows for the safe integration of renewable energies into the electrical system, ensures the stability of energy markets, and protects consumers. It is a fundamental training space for decision-makers, policy designers, or those implementing projects in the energy sector, as it provides tools to understand and address the legal and regulatory challenges that accompany the transformations of the regional energy system.

2. Study plan presentation

It is divided into five modules that combine theory, case studies, and comparative regional analysis. Each module consists of synchronous sessions and access to complementary materials.

Modules:

1. Energy Law: Fundamental principles, legal sources, scope, and objects of study of Energy Law.

2. Law for the energy transition: Emerging legal framework in the context of the energy transition: access, climate justice, human rights, and rights of affected communities.

3. Regulation regarding licenses and authorizations required for the implementation of energy projects: Types of permits, licenses, and authorizations necessary to operate in the energy sector. Common procedures and challenges.

4. Status and Evolution of the Regulatory Framework in Latin America and the Caribbean: Comparison between countries, recent trends, and success stories.

5. Regulatory Framework for Decarbonization: Legislation and policies aimed at reducing emissions and carbon neutrality.

The classes will be in virtual format, with participation from the technical team, and will be interactive with participants addressing their inquiries.

3. General objective of the study plan

To train participants in the fundamentals of Energy Law and the regulatory frameworks necessary to promote a fair and sustainable energy transition in Latin America and the Caribbean.

4. Learning outcomes of the study plan

Once the study plan is completed, the student will be able to:

• Understand the principles and structures of Energy Law.
• Recognize the rights linked to the energy transition.
• Identify necessary permits and licenses in the energy sector.
• Analyze regional regulatory frameworks and their evolution.
• Evaluate legal instruments applicable to the decarbonization of the sector.

5. Participant profile

Officials, technicians, lawyers, advisors, and students interested in energy, environmental law, regulation, or public policies.

6. Study Plan Intensity

The study plan will have the following workload:

7. Registration record

Participants must register as users at: https://capevlac.olade.org/registro/ and then enroll in the study plan through the following link: https://capevlac.olade.org/en/courses/energy-law-and-energy-transition/

This study plan is open access and free of charge for OLACDE Member Countries as it is executed within the framework of the ETRELA project “Improving, increasing and facilitating access to renewable energy education and training in Latin America” financed by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Government.

8. Training methodology

All the study plan material will be stored in OLACDE’s knowledge community: https://capevlac.olade.org/, consisting of: lessons, links for each synchronous session, and reference and evaluation tools. The participant must log into this platform with the username and password registered at the time of enrollment.

The virtual sessions will be delivered in a synchronous online modality, which implies real-time interaction between instructors and participants using OLACDE’s video conferencing platform.

9. Intellectual property

All material produced and distributed in this course must be used exclusively by the person registered for it. The use of the material for purposes other than the training action itself must be consulted with and approved by OLACDE.