ESCOs and their role in the development of Energy Efficiency and self-consumption in LATAM. (Start of a Latin American Network. Case studies)

1. Introduction

The world has among its new challenges, boosting energy efficiency. COP28 concluded that it is necessary to double it globally in order to maintain the 1.5° temperature by 2030. This is a task that must involve companies and states and will require experts and a series of procedures that manage to carry it out smoothly and correctly. Especially for Latin America, it is an opportunity for productivity, the generation of new jobs and greater competitiveness along with greater sustainable development and greater integration.

Each country has its energy matrix with certain emphasis and in particular, energy efficiency and self-consumption, based on the comprehensive service of ESCOs, will allow the necessary balance between saving scarce resources and efficient consumption that does not stress the sector as a whole and supports energy users or consumers of different sizes. In terms of users, it has impacts on their accounts, making them more productive and competitive. It also contributes to improving comfort and reducing emissions, which are now so important in the fight against climate change.

Dissemination of best practices in this field is critical for several reasons. First, it enables ESCOs to learn from each other, fostering innovation and continuous improvement in the delivery of energy services. In addition, sharing successful experiences can motivate other companies and governments to adopt more sustainable practices, thus boosting sustainable development in the region.

The ESCO Latam Network is a non-profit initiative that arises in response to the efforts and challenges of the region to achieve better energy performance in countries. The network is based on the experiences of Chile’s energy services and the ESCO Global Network.

Based on this background, the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), the ESCO Global Network and ANESCO CHILE A.G. have decided to join forces and carry out joint activities to promote knowledge, development and interest in issues related to Energy Service Companies (ESCOs). As a first joint initiative, two seminars will be organized as a platform to disseminate good practices and lessons learned in the field of ESCOs at the regional level, with the purpose of promoting spaces for learning and discussion between experts and professionals from Latin American and Caribbean countries.

 

2. Presentation of the Study Plan

In 2024, two virtual seminars will be held:

 

1. Seminar 1 (March 5, 2024):
   1. Context and need for the creation of the ESCO LATAM network.
   2. Energy efficiency and the ESCO model.
   3. Chilean experience national association.
   4. Success stories in the public sector.
   5. Success stories in the private sector.
2. Seminar 2 (2nd semester 2024):
   1. Online seminar: legislation. Proposals for overcoming EE barriers and the ESCO model in LATAM.

 

In 2025, two virtual seminars will be held:

1. Seminar 1 (March 5, 2024):
   1. AUDIT, EMS, M&V.
2. Seminar 2 (2nd semester 2024):
   1. GUILD TRAINING: EXPERIENCES CHILE, BRAZIL AND SPAIN

A virtual seminar is planned for 2026:

3. Seminar 1:
   1. ESCO CERTIFICATION

The classes will be in virtual format by the capevLAC platform.

 

3. General objective of the Study Plan

Inform, train and identify those interested in undertaking as energy services companies in the 27 member countries of OLADE and the formation of specialized associations in the respective countries in order to boost the local and Latin American EE with greater strength, starting with the experience of chile and the Global ESCO Network.

4. Study plan learning outcomes

Upon completion of the study plan, the participant will be able to:

• Identify good practices and implementation of Energy Efficiency technologies with the help of the ESCO model in the public and private sectors.
• Identify EE actions and CO2 mitigation.
• Identify potentialities and requirements to be part of the ESCO Latam Network.

 

5. Participant profile

Engineering or energy services companies (energy efficiency and self-consumption)

Companies offering energy and water efficiency products or services.

Public and private sectors that want to improve their consumption and reduce expenses.

 

6. Study Plan Intensity

The study plan will have the following workload:

Seminar 1

Seminar	SESSIONS:	WORKLOAD
1	Organizer greetings	0.5 HOURS
	Context of EE in LATAM	0,5 hour
	EE and ESCO model in Chile	0.5 hours
	Success stories implemented in the public and private sector	1 HOUR
	Questions and next steps	0.5 hours
total		3 hours

 

Seminar 2 (2nd semester of 2024): To be defined