Jun 2008 - OPEC

in developing their energy resources and to share their
experiences with other countries, so that they may emulate
them.
For example, Mexico has achieved impressive
energy efficiency over the years. This is something from
which many other countries can benefit. Brazil, too, has
advanced a lot, especially in the use and development
of biofuels. “You have to study these things depending
on the characteristics and the conditions of the country,”
Floréz said, so that the opportunities that one country
offers can be used by another. “We want to obtain the
strengths of one country to cover the weaknesses of
another,” he contended.
Attitude change
This vision of a collaborative and cooperative Latin
American and Caribbean region, with complementary
energy sectors, is part of OLADE’s vision. That is its goal,
and although it is primarily the private sector that helps
develop these activities, Floréz said that OLADE must first
work through governments. “We want to create the conditions
— and have governments create the conditions
— necessary to give markets the opportunity to work,”
he said. OLADE must encourage the governments of its
Member Countries to change their attitudes, develop
necessary legislation and harmonize their energy sector
regulations, so that future integration is possible.
The work has to start at the governmental level,
explained Floréz. If governments do not first change
their legislation, then it is very difficult for consumers
and industry to behave differently, he said. “If we don’t
create consciousness in governments, which is our main
challenge, it is very difficult to reach people.”
OLADE will continue to operate between governments,
trying to get them to work together in a spirit of collaboration
to solve collective problems. But the organization
also recognizes that a fundamental switch in mentality
is required for consumers to change their behaviour
and consumption patterns, so that they “become more
aware of the use of energy.” For this, we need a regionwide
campaign of information, so that we raise people’s
awareness about the use of existing energy resources
and increase their knowledge of alternative sources.
Looking ahead, Flórez said OLADE will try to become
more effective and instrumental in regional integration
efforts. With the informational and policy challenges
ahead, he said stronger relationships among member
countries, as well as increased collaboration and the
political integration of energy-related activities and frameworks,
are all imperative if the chronic poverty that has
long-afflicted Latin America is ever to be reduced.
Dr Carlos Arturo Flórez
Piedrahita, with the Bulletin’s
Alvino-Mario Fantini (r).
OPEC bulletin 6/08
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