The International Hydropower Association (IHA) is participating in the annual meeting of the Latin American Energy Organisation (OLADE) to advance sustainable hydropower and pumped storage hydropower (PSH) across the region. According to the 2025 World Hydropower Outlook, Latin America added just 306 MW of hydropower last year, falling behind global growth.
Currently, only 30% of the region’s hydropower potential is being utilized, though it meets roughly 45% of electricity demand. While over 7 GW of new hydropower projects are expected in Argentina, Bolivia, and Colombia by 2030, overall development has plateaued.
At OLADE, the Meeting of Energy Ministers, the organisation’s top political decision-making body, will set strategic guidelines for energy security, integration, and sustainability across 27 member states. IHA is urging that hydropower be included as a key energy source and as backup for increasing variable renewable energy.
“The market alone will not deliver great hydropower capacity in Latin America,” IHA said. “Governments need policy tools and examples from the rest of the world to get the most out of their resources.”
IHA represents the global hydropower industry and key Latin American members, including Engie, Eletrobras, EPM, Neoenergia, Salto Grande (Argentina), ICE, Pacific Hydro, Andritz, Enacom, GE Vernova, LSH Consulting Engineers, and Intertechne. These organisations will provide insights on policies, tools, and practices to support sustainable hydropower development in the region.
Elena Perez, Chief Engagement and Events Officer at IHA, said:
“Latin America has some of the world’s most significant opportunities for sustainable hydropower – especially through modernisation and pumped storage. By working together, governments, financial institutions, industry and communities can ensure these resources are harnessed responsibly to meet future energy needs. OLADE is a critical platform to share expertise, build partnerships and strengthen the role of hydropower in achieving the region’s energy transition.”
IHA plans to collaborate with industry partners and policymakers at OLADE to highlight hydropower’s role in regional integration, energy resilience, and reaching net zero targets.
