Laura Bulbena

The Energy for Peace (E4P) Global Development Alliance (GDA) is a collaboration among the companies: ISA Conexiones, Ecopetrol, Suncolombia, and USAID #ColombiaMission. It demonstrates the vital role #blendedfinance can play in catalyzing private sector investment to deliver clean energy to hard-to-reach off grid communities that are critical for peace and development. E4P was established in response to a complex and challenging scenario. Years of conflict have resulted in significant underinvestment, depressing income potential and hindering productive capacity. Many rural communities in #Colombia continue to grapple with the absence of a dependable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable source of energy. Public Agencies have struggled in this environment to ensure #energyaccess, and the #financialsustainability of donated energy projects has been weak. Meanwhile, the private sector has been deterred by high costs and risks and consumers’ limited ability to pay for services. To read this full resource report about #BlendedFinanceSolutions, click here ⬇️ https://ow.ly/HlB750TN0sH

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New report! 📢 R4D's Governance Action Hub has published a political economy analysis of Colombia’s #energy transition.🔌⚡️ The report outlines the Hub’s analysis of #Colombia to date, summarizing findings from their exploration for improved local development outcomes and democratic resilience. ⚖️ 📚 Read the full report here: https://loom.ly/yvP-H1I

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I learned a lot at today`s event about the potential of green hydrogen in South America. As Rafael Matas Trillo mention the “green hydrogen frenzy” has given way to “green hydrogen realism,” an opportunity to seriously consider regulatory and infrastructure strategies to achieve “speed and scale” for this promising industry. As I was discussing with my colleague Giulia Branco Spiess earlier today, Brazil seems to be sending mixed signals regarding what it wants from the potential of green hydrogen. The Brazilian Senate has altered a bill designed to promote green hydrogen production, potentially compromising its environmental benefits. Originally, the bill mandated using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. However, the accepted amendments now include ethanol, biogas, biomethane, and hydroelectric power as sources, raising the carbon emission threshold from 4 kgCO2e/kgH2 to 7 kgCO2e/kgH2. This change may undermine Brazil's green hydrogen credibility compared to international standards. The bill now moves to the House for further consideration.

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❝Direct access is crucial to make #ClimateFinance more inclusive 🫱🏻‍🫲🏿 and #GenderResponsive, this approach is needed to bring #ClimateFinance closer to those whose lives are impacted including women and Indigenous Peoples.❞ - Peru 🇵🇪 on what is needed under the #NCQG at the 6th High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on #ClimateFinance on Day 4 of #COP29

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Renewable energy is critical to combatting the climate crisis, but as the world transitions to alternative power sources, we need to be mindful of how they impact key ecosystems and the people that rely upon them. As conversations about this complex balancing act continue at the UN Biodiversity #COP16Colombia, our recent report raises important questions about how the wind energy industry sources balsa from the Ecuadorian Amazon for wind turbine blades: https://lnkd.in/gf_wqdPc Energy is only as clean as its supply chain. GE Vernova, 3A Composites, TPI Composites, Inc., and ECUABALPRO are some of the wind turbine manufacturers and global energy providers our report links to illegal logging and human rights violations through the balsa wood in their blades.

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In #Colombia, we're working with local stakeholders and partners to improve governance and enhance citizen participation under a #JustEnergyTransition process. 📌 Learn more about our pathways to this mission and how you can be a part of our journey in these reflection blogs from our Colombia team: ✨ Our initial analysis of the energy sector and our advancement to making Colombia energy a just one: https://lnkd.in/d5w4uyS4 ✨ Our exploration of a systems change approach and political analysis we adopted to contribute to a just energy transition in Colombia: https://lnkd.in/dgnbc2gd ✨ Our collaborative efforts for a just energy transition with local stakeholders and allies in Colombia: https://lnkd.in/dw8s8iZr #EnergyTransition #EnergyCommunities #Collaboration #SystemsChange

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Throughout #COP16Colombia, Colombia has actively encouraged participation from Indigenous groups and vowed to position these communities at the centre of the conference.   This article explores the challenges of communication between project teams and local communities, including:   🔎  How research and policy implementation often fail to consider community response     🔎  Eight indicators of good stakeholder communication      🔎  How project work in and with local communities can be improved       Read the #OpenAccess article here: https://bit.ly/4fmMT62 

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🔥Extreme climate events and disasters, 🍃 degradation and loss of biodiversity, and ♻ the implementation of decarbonization policies are having a direct impact on jobs and #LaborMarkets in Latin America and the Caribbean. Is there a way to address #ClimateChange with labor market policies? Yes. For instance, training for upskilling or reskilling and cultivating a resilient #HumanCapital to take on the challenge is key to the climate agenda. Learn more about the promising intersections between labor markets and climate change in our publication. Download it for free 👉 https://bit.ly/43WS8F8

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On Saturday the 16th of November at #COP29Baku We facilitated a side event discussing civil society’s expectations and concerns surrounding the Multilateral Development Banks’ role in #climatefinance. We heard from Sandra Guzmán Luna from GFLAC Grupo de Financiamiento Climático para Latinoamérica y el Caribe on the role of the MDBs as part of the NCQG and the conditions needed for them to play a relevant role. “COP29 is particularly important as we have to decide on the specifics of the NCQG. It's not that we have a lack of public money. For instance, this year we have spent $1.2 trillions on military expenditure. So yes it is possible to mobilise these resources” Anja Gebel from Germanwatch e.V. shared how the MDBs should contribute to implementing the COP28 energy package in terms of finance, policy support and institutional role, including being a leader in Paris Alignment. “Will need large investments, and without social justice framing the energy transition will fail. Unfortunately, it is unclear how the MDBs’ #JustTransition principles are being operationalised.” Alison Doig from Recourse shared three key criteria for the approach the MDB's should take to financing the energy transition, 1. Finance a transition towards a new 100% renewable future 2. Ensure a democratic energy system for all 3. Put people and nature at the heart of the energy transition Karabo Mokgonyana from Power Shift Africa shared how, “The NCQG represents a historic opportunity to rewrite Africa’s energy future. MDBs can actualise some of the best practices in community-based renewable energy projects & expand them in the African continent.” Gloria Kafui Kuzo from Strategic Youth Network for Development : SYND GHANA gave examples from the ground asking, “What is the use of electricity access if it is not affordable for the people? We should have an implementation of Renewable Energy, but it should be affordable, accessible and have the community people at heart.” We had a productive conversation with Avinash Persaud from the Inter-American Development Bank with points of strong agreement. Avinash shared, “Its very important that we have an ambitious NCQG so countries can have ambitious voluntary NDCs... The #LossAndDamage is being funded today by the poorest people, by their lost livelihoods, lost homes. That’s where we need the grants.” Countries ability to cope with the climate crisis is dependent on an ambitious NCQG that meets the needs of the people. Ultimately this responsibility sits with rich countries. MDBs role in delivering climate finance must be fossil-free, transparent, and not contributing to the debt crisis. #NoGoalNoWorld #GasIsNotGreen #JustCleanEnergy #COP29 #JustTransition #NCQG

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🌍✨ The #COP16 in #Colombia is a crucial reminder of the need to safeguard our biodiversity while pursuing a #JustEnergyTransition. 🏞🌳The impact of extractivism on biodiversity is a pressing issue, and the just energy transition should be a vehicle for restoring our territories. 🛠️ 👩🏽‍🌾👨🏾‍💼Local communities, the true guardians of biodiversity, must take the lead in managing renewable energy initiatives in their territories.🏘️ 👩🏾⚖ Women and ethnic communities will be vital in this journey toward climate justice. With their leadership, we can pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable world.🌱 🌱⚡A diverse, clean energy model is key to preserving our natural wealth. 🚫 Let’s say goodbye to fossil fuels and embrace a sustainable future together!🌿💚 #JustEnergyTransition #EnergyCommunities #ClimateJustice #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture #BioDiversity #ClimateChange

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The Guatemala story is a great example of how infrastructure transparency safeguards such as CoST – the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative approach and tools help prevent investment loss. Read the story and reach out to us for a talk, this story is also an example of how infrastructure transparency is possible in highly volatile environments.

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USAID plays a significant role in Colombia's 🇨🇴🌿 development agenda. The United States Energy Association has been working closely with USAID to help build an enabling environment for Colombia to diversify its energy mix #PoweringRenewableEnergy while supporting indigenous action.       The collaboration is one of concrete action, supporting 🌎💪 Colombia’s governmental efforts to successfully incorporate 2.5 GW of #renewableenergy to the country’s national grid to assist Colombia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) in #geothermal, #offshorewind and #greenhydrogen advancements. #USEAforUSAID #USAIDTransforms XM SA ESP COLOMBIA INTELIGENTE ISA Interconexión Eléctrica S.A. E.S.P.

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Achieving the 1.5 °C goal of the Paris Agreement while ensuring the right to sustainable development is key for Latin America as a highly vulnerable region. In this article we analyze whether NDCs submitted by Latin American countries align with the 1.5 °C goal from the equity perspective by distributing the 1.5 °C compatible remaining global carbon budget. We compare the equitable allocated cumulative emissions with two scenarios i) one that assumes the full implementation of mitigation commitments contained in Latin American countries’ NDCs; and ii) a scenario that adds the goal of ending deforestation by 2030, signed by several Latin American countries in the Global Leaders Declaration on Forest. Cindy Ramirez Padilla, Albert Turon, Cristián E. Retamal González, Olga A., Barbara Sureda/UPC https://lnkd.in/dAqS3-A3

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🌍💡At our recent narrative workshop in Paipa, #Colombia, with the Natural Resource Governance Institute, we worked closely with local actors and NGOs to advocate for a sustainable #energytransition with a focus on the social and economic impact for #energycommunities (Comunidades Energéticas). 📌 Our efforts aim to bridge the gap between local and national perspectives, ensuring that voices from civil society, indigenous and afro-descendant communities are heard in the #JustEnergyTransition (JET). 💪What we did ⬇ 🗣🏘️ Governance Action Hub's Carlos Diaz facilitated discussions on the governance and sustainability of energy communities. 👥💬We engaged with leaders from Cesar, Putumayo, and Meta. 👀⚡We promoted local visions for energy tailored to specific communities. 🔑Key learnings from the workshop⬇ ⚡Stronger engagement and strategic communication is needed for a successful implementation of the Energy Communities Policy. 🫱🏽‍🫲🏿 Territorial and national efforts must be aligned for a just energy transition. 🗣 Understanding overarching different stories and narratives in Colombia's JET is important to bridge the existing gap in the energy sector. #ComunidadesEnergéticas #EnergyCommunities #Sustainability #JustEnergyTransition

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The “SIDS 4 Nature” event at #COP16Colombia brought leaders together to discuss the powerful role Conservation Trust Funds (CTFs) play in achieving the Global Goals for Nature. By supporting locally-led initiatives, these funds bolster climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, and community empowerment in SIDS. Key takeaways: Endowments as a sustainable way to fund long-term conservation 🌊🏆 Setting agendas, overcoming capacity gaps, & fostering resilience in communities💪🌺 Trust in local solutions for lasting impact in CTF missions 🛠️🤝 Thank you to our inspiring speakers: Marie May Jeremie (SeyCCAT), Yabanex Batista (Global Fund for Coral Reefs), Mae Adams (MCT), Karen McDonald Gayle (CBF) and Céline Augereau Coisy (GEF). Together, we’re creating a legacy for future generations. #SIDS4Nature #NatureConservation #SIDS #LocalLeadership #GlobalGoalforNature #EmpowerCommunities #GLISPA #IslandInnovation #Biodiversity #ClimateResilience #ConservationImpact #SIDS4Nature #ClimateActionNow #CTFs

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The Energy for Peace Global Development Alliance, a collaboration between ISA, Ecopetrol, SUNCOLOMBIA, and USAID/Colombia, demonstrates the vital role blended finance can play in catalyzing private sector investment to deliver clean energy to hard-to-reach communities that are critical for peace and development. Over the next five years, the alliance is expected to provide sustainable electricity for nearly 8,000 people and six producer clusters in conflict-affected communities in Colombia, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating an estimated $6 million from increased sales of goods and services. For development professionals that may be interested in building on this blended finance model, this report details the innovative design process and critical components driving the model's success. https://lnkd.in/ep6-gEjQ

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🌍 Market Insights: #IRECs in #Peru Peru is steadily advancing in #renewableenergy, with 2023 bringing impressive growth in both I-REC issuance and redemption. Drawing on the country’s strong hydro resources, and new wind and solar investments, Peru is making a meaningful contribution to LATAM’s renewable energy landscape. 📊 Key Highlights: - Considerable Growth: Peru issued 7,086,062 MWh of I-RECs, marking a 98.3% increase from 2022. I-REC redemptions soared by 146.6%, reaching 5,166,958 MWh. These certificates are mostly issued by AENOR Perú. - Global Context: Peru ranks 11th globally and 4th in Latin America for I-REC issuance, having improved one rank for each category, and demonstrating strong regional influence in the renewable energy landscape and companies improving #sustainability reporting. - Energy Mix Breakdown: With hydro accounting for 76.7% of I-REC issuance, Peru’s renewable generation relies heavily on this resource due to the country's favorable geography, which includes numerous rivers and high-altitude watersheds. Wind and solar assets currently make up for 22.7% and 0.6% of the I-RECs produced, respectively. - Expanding Infrastructure: 4 new assets were registered compared to 2022. While the average Commercial Operation Date (COD) for issued I-RECs shifted back by 11 years due to the large production of older hydro plants, the last registrations have shown a shift to more wind and solar assets. With a strong foundation in hydro and rising interest in diverse renewables, Peru is gradually strengthening its position in the regional renewable landscape. As sustainability efforts grow, Peru’s evolving energy mix signals promising opportunities ahead. 📩 For more information on availability and quotations, feel free to reach out at [email protected]!

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