IRENA Workshop Highlights Renewable Energy Solutions for Rural Latin America
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), along with the Global Energy Alliance and Practical Action, recently organized a workshop in Peru to discuss the use of renewable energy in supporting rural livelihoods across Latin America. Despite high electrification rates, significant disparities in energy access persist between urban and rural areas. The workshop focused on decentralized renewable energy solutions, such as solar systems with battery storage and micro-hydropower, to address these gaps. Participants from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru shared insights on integrating renewable energy into local value chains and emphasized the need for technical assistance, skills development, and supportive policies to ensure sustainable economic opportunities. 
