South America: Energy and Natural Resources

The Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has issued Ordinance No. 136/2026, establishing the guidelines for the first Capacity Reserve Auctions (LRCAP)...

On April 16, 2026, the Official Gazette of the Federation (the “DOF”), published the agreement of the National Energy Commission (the “CNE”), issuing the “General administrative provisions for the integration of Electric Energy Storage Systems into the National Electric System.” (the “DACGs”).

The Federal Government has launched the National Bioeconomy Development Plan (PNDBio), established under the National Bioeconomy Strategy created by Decree No. 12,044/2024.

La Comisión Nacional de Energía publicó los formatos oficiales para solicitar permisos de generación de energía eléctrica en modalidad de cogeneración, estableciendo dos categorías distintas según la capacidad de las centrales eléctricas. Estos formatos implementan las disposiciones administrativas previamente emitidas y definen los requisitos documentales necesarios para cada tipo de solicitud.

Brazil's electricity sector reform has introduced stringent new requirements for self-production arrangements, mandating minimum demand thresholds and stricter shareholding rules that fundamentally reshape how large consumers can access self-generation structures. As regulatory agencies define implementation guidelines and audit bodies scrutinize cost allocations, the evolving framework creates critical uncertainties for energy-intensive projects like data centers and green hydrogen plants whose economic vi

La Comisión Nacional de Energía publicó los formatos oficiales para solicitar permisos de almacenamiento de energía eléctrica en México, estableciendo tres modalidades distintas según...

Mexico's National Water Program 2026-2030 establishes a comprehensive framework to address the country's critical water challenges, including severe water stress affecting 95% of the northern and central territory, contamination in 30% of major rivers, and significant gaps in water treatment infrastructure. The program outlines five strategic objectives ranging from strengthening water governance and concession oversight to guaranteeing progressive access to water and sanitation, promoting efficient water u

The new investment plan of up to US$8.5 billion in the Panama Canal opens opportunities in ports, energy, and water infrastructure. However, for foreign capital, the true differentiator does not lie in the amount of spending or the magnitude of the works, but in the institutional safeguards that support the project: the constitutional autonomy of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), its special contracting regime, and the Canal’s permanent neutrality constitute the genuine guarantee of confidence in this new expansion cycle.

El nuevo plan de inversión de hasta US$8.500 millones en el Canal de Panamá abre oportunidades en puertos, energía e infraestructura hídrica. Sin embargo, para el capital extranjero el verdadero diferencial no radica en el volumen del desembolso ni en la magnitud de las obras, sino en el blindaje institucional que sostiene el proyecto: la autonomía constitucional de la Autoridad del Canal de Panamá (ACP), su régimen especial de contratación y la neutralidad permanente del Canal constituyen la auténtica garantía de confianza en este nuevo ciclo de expansión.

Petrobras has introduced a new pricing mechanism for natural gas that establishes reference bands based on Brent crude prices, creating floors and ceilings to limit quarterly price fluctuations. The voluntary measure aims to reduce a scheduled 22% price adjustment to approximately 6%, though legal experts warn the initiative could significantly impact competitive dynamics in Brazil's evolving gas market. While the mechanism provides greater predictability for distributors and consumers, questions remain abo

La Comisión Nacional de Energía publicó los formatos oficiales para solicitar permisos de generación de energía eléctrica en modalidad de cogeneración, estableciendo dos categorías distintas según la capacidad de las centrales eléctricas. Estos formatos implementan las disposiciones administrativas previamente emitidas y definen los requisitos documentales necesarios para cada tipo de solicitud.

Brazil's electricity sector reform has introduced stringent new requirements for self-production arrangements, mandating minimum demand thresholds and stricter shareholding rules that fundamentally reshape how large consumers can access self-generation structures. As regulatory agencies define implementation guidelines and audit bodies scrutinize cost allocations, the evolving framework creates critical uncertainties for energy-intensive projects like data centers and green hydrogen plants whose economic vi