Electrification of South America: Roadmap to Prosperity
Join us on Earth Day to discuss the Electrification of South America’s Economies Using Renewable Energy.
The Climate Institute will highlight current efforts and approaches across the region, and examine opportunities to accelerate renewable-powered electrification across key economic sectors – including transport, industry, commerce, mining, fishing, and other activities.
The event will take place both virtually and in-person during DC Climate Week on
Wednesday, April 22nd from 1-3 pm at the American Institute of Architects Global Campus.
The program will feature leading practitioners and decision-makers engaged in advancing the energy transition and electrification across South America.
AGENDA
1:00 PM – WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS
Michele Fetting – Climate Institute - Vice Chair, Board of Directors
Welcome, Climate Institute overview, Speaker/Panel Intro
Walter Vergara – Climate Institute – Vice President, Latin America Programs
Overview of the event and the critical timing of our discussion
1:15 PM – PRESENTATIONS
Energy Transition in Brazil: Achievements and Next Steps
Karina Souza — Director for Energy Transition – Ministry of Mines and Energy of Brazil
Energy Transition in Uruguay: Summary of Achievements and Preparation for the Second Stage
Arianna Spinelli — National Director for Energy – Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining of Uruguay
The Long-Term Energy Plan for Chile
Isabella Villanueva — Chief, Long Term Energy Planning – Ministry of Energy, Chile
The Prospects for Electrification of the Economy in Argentina
Roque Pedace — Researcher in Energy and Climate Change – University of Buenos Aires
2:00 PM – PRESENTER Q & A
2:30 PM – PANEL Q & A
Lucia Spinelli, Senior Energy Specialist, World Bank
Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho, CEO of ESCOnsult
David Reinstein, Consultant, World Bank
3:00 PM – Adjournment
Language:
Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
The event will be broadly disseminated throughout the region.
Getting There:
The event will take place at 1735 New York Ave. NW at 18th St. in the Events Meeting Room on the first floor.
Please note: The exterior of the AIA building is under construction. You must enter the building from the 18th Street side, just past the Octagon House.
Easy Metro access via Farragut North & West stations
Parking, transportation options, and other information are noted on the AIA Global Campus website.
Light refreshments will be available
HYBRID Option: Here is the Zoom Link if you would like to participate virtually:
Topic: Electrification of South America - DC Climate Week Time: Apr 22, 2026 1 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87658276027?pwd=1waBuS97CXbv6TJJWXm7HeSIh9M4BG.1
DC Climate Week is not responsible for this event. It is organized by the organizing group, and being listed on the DCCW calendar is not an endorsement of content or partners.