When it comes to securing a clean and reliable energy future for Latin America and the Caribbean, sustainable hydropower is at the heart of the conversation.

In early October, our Brazilian Policy Lead, Ángela Livino, travelled to Santo Domingo for the 11th Energy Week, hosted by the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organisation (OLADE). The event was filled with passionate discussions, shared knowledge and a collective drive to build more resilient power grids across the region.

Putting grid resilience front and centre

As more variable renewables like wind and solar come online, our power grids need flexibility to stay stable. Ángela explored this topic during a specialised session on energy resilience; alongside Dr Rosa Ysabel Ruiz, President of the Board of Directors for the Dominican Hydroelectric Generation Company (EGEHID).

During the panel, Ángela shared that energy system resilience is not built during emergencies. It requires anticipation, modernised infrastructure and permanent operational flexibility. She emphasised hydroelectric reservoirs are far more than mere electricity-generation machines; they are strategic public infrastructure vital for drinking water, irrigation, flood control and drought mitigation. Pumped storage becomes transformative in this context, multiplying resilience by combining rapid operational flexibility with a seasonal climate defence buffer.

Beyond the panels, Ángela joined the OLADE Meeting of Ministers of Energy, the region’s highest decision-making body, as an observer. There, she witnessed the adoption of concrete policy decisions that will set the region's trajectory; from regional frameworks for electrification and the circular economy to AI in energy. To bring this critical message directly to the public, she spoke with local media - joining popular television and radio broadcasts like CDN Canal 37, CLAVE 95.9 FM and Z101 FM.

Catching up with EGEHID

Of course, a trip to the Dominican Republic would not be complete without visiting EGEHID, who have been an active and valued IHA member since 2022.

Welcomed warmly by Dr Ruiz and experts from their Planning and Cooperation Department, including Hamlet Guerrero, Cristina Gómez and Patricia Alburquerque, the visit was valuable and insightful. They delved into EGEHID’s ambitious strategic plan to expand the country's hydroelectric power matrix and drastically cut down on imported fossil fuels. Ángela commended their forward-thinking approach; specifically their active plans to develop pumped storage capacity, including what may become the Caribbean’s first reversible hydropower project, to perfectly complement new solar and wind projects.

The feeling of collaboration was entirely mutual. Following the visit, Dr Ruiz noted, "With this visit, we reaffirm our commitment to sharing knowledge, strengthening strategic partnerships and creating new opportunities for collaboration to drive energy sector development."

Looking back on a week of media interviews, strategic meetings and inspiring conversations, Ángela shared her thoughts on what this momentum means for the region: "Seeing this materialise reinforces my conviction that the energy transition in the region is achievable, with mature technology, clear regulatory frameworks and political will. Resilience is built before crises and I am convinced Latin America and the Caribbean are on the right path."

We leave the Dominican Republic feeling more inspired than ever. By continuing to build these strong connections and strategic partnerships, IHA is incredibly proud to help support the region pave the way towards a secure, sustainable and fully renewable energy future.

Learn more about the IHA Brazilian Taskforce here: https://www.hydropower.org/what-we-do/regional-taskforces