Latin American energy leaders call for regional integration and advanced cooling solutions

During the XI Energy Week in Santo Domingo, regional leaders and industry experts discussed the evolving energy landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) emphasized the need for increased regional energy integration to combat rising fuel costs and enhance security.

In the Dominican Republic, the transition to renewable energy faces challenges due to its isolated electrical system, which lacks interconnections with neighboring networks. This isolation requires the country to maintain high internal self-sufficiency as renewable participation has grown from 2% in 2020 to 26%.

Technological shifts are also driving demand. The rise of Artificial Intelligence is significantly increasing the thermal density and energy consumption of data centers. In Mexico, this has led to new industrial developments, such as HiRef’s advanced manufacturing plant in Hidalgo dedicated to precision cooling and liquid cooling solutions. Experts noted that data center cooling is shifting from traditional air-based methods to direct-to-chip liquid cooling to manage the intense heat generated by AI hardware.

Additionally, efforts are underway to improve digital connectivity. A US$50 million financing line from BID Invest and Nokia aims to modernize digital infrastructure across the region, starting with Mexico, to support economic competitiveness and bridge the connectivity gap for millions of people.