Alfonso Blanco Appointed Director of the Energy Transition & Climate Program at the Inter-American Dialogue
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2024
Contact: Gemma Givens
press@thedialogue.org
Washington, DC, 2024 – The Inter-American Dialogue is pleased to announce the appointment of Alfonso Blanco as the new director of its Energy Transition & Climate Program. Blanco is a leading figure in the energy and climate sector in Latin America and the Caribbean, bringing a distinguished career and a wealth of experience to the role.
Blanco served as the executive director of the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) from 2017 to 2023. Under his leadership, he advanced the organization’s role in shaping public policies related to energy transitions and regional integration. His tenure was marked by a strong commitment to decarbonizing regional energy systems and meeting climate commitments. Under his guidance, OLADE supported the regional Renewables in Latin America and the Caribbean (RELAC) initiative, aimed at achieving 70% renewable energy in Latin America and Caribbean countries.
From 2005 to 2013 while directing Uruguay’s national strategy for energy efficiency and biomass-based electricity generation, Blanco introduced innovative measures that enabled Uruguay to achieve an impressive 98% of its electricity generation from renewable sources.
“Alfonso brings with him a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in leading complex initiatives in the energy and climate sectors,” said Dr. Rebecca Bill Chavez, President & CEO of the Inter-American Dialogue. “His experience in the energy sector and in climate mitigation and resilience policy will provide a strong foundation for the Inter-American Dialogue to move the needle on securing a climate-smart future for the Americas.”
Blanco has served as a senior advisor to the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, CAF – Development Bank of Latin American and the Caribbean, and the United Nations. His advisory work has encompassed regulatory issues, energy policy, energy transitions, energy diplomacy, climate change, business development, and financing models in Latin America and the Caribbean.
He has also served as inter-institutional coordinator of the Regional Energy Efficiency Program under the Regional Energy Agenda, which includes organizations such as the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), the Association of Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Companies of Latin America and the Caribbean (ARPEL), Regional Electric Integration Committee (CIER), the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Organization of American States (OAS), OLADE, and the World Energy Council (WEC).
The Inter-American Dialogue’s Energy Transition & Climate Program aims to enhance regional energy security and climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience in line with the objectives and timeline of the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.
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