– renewables account for 64 per cent of regional power generation

LATIN America and the Caribbean recorded a 4.1 per cent year-on-year increase in electricity generation in May 2026, despite a significant decline in hydropower output caused by reduced water availability, according to the latest data from the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE).
The region generated 176 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity during the month, representing a 7.32 per cent increase over April’s generation and a 4.1 per cent rise compared with May 2025.
Hydropower remained the region’s largest source of electricity, accounting for 43.4 per cent of total generation, followed by natural gas at 24.4 per cent and wind power at 11.6 per cent.
However, hydropower generation fell by 10 TWh compared with May 2025 as lower water availability affected output.
The decline was largely offset by increased generation from other sources, with natural gas-fired generation rising by 6 TWh and wind power increasing by 4.4 TWh. Generation from coal, oil and petroleum products also recorded increases during the period.
Despite the reduction in hydropower, renewable energy sources collectively accounted for 64 per cent of all electricity generated across the region in May.
OLACDE’s data show that renewables have continued to dominate the regional electricity mix, with their share ranging between 63 per cent and 72 per cent of total generation between May 2025 and May 2026.
Nine of the organisation’s 27 member countries recorded renewable electricity shares above the regional average in May.
Paraguay led the region with renewable sources accounting for 100 per cent of its electricity generation, followed by Costa Rica at 96 per cent and Uruguay at 94 per cent.
Brazil recorded 89 per cent, while Colombia and Venezuela each recorded 82 per cent. Belize accounted for 75 per cent, followed by Ecuador at 72 per cent and Peru at 66 per cent.
The figures highlight the continued importance of renewable energy in the region’s electricity systems, while also demonstrating the vulnerability of hydropower-dependent generation to changing hydrological conditions.
The shift in the generation mix during May suggests that natural gas and other energy sources continue to play an important role in maintaining electricity supply when renewable generation, particularly hydropower, is affected by changes in water availability.
OLACDE said the results underscore the importance of maintaining complementary energy sources capable of responding to fluctuations in hydrological conditions and electricity demand.
The organisation’s Monthly Electricity Generation Report provides an overview of electricity generation trends across its member countries and tracks changes in the regional energy mix.