Miami, FL – Latin America is experiencing a seismic shift in its energy investment priorities. According to the International Energy Agency, more than 75% of the region’s electricity already comes from clean sources, led by hydropower. Katlen Giraldo, known as one of the most influential voices in Latin America’s clean energy movement, has argued publicly that relying heavily on hydro is no longer enough. Climate variability, outdated infrastructure, and economic inequality require a diversified renewable energy strategy that includes solar, wind, storage, and green hydrogen.
As an executive at Energía y Gas de Colombia, Giraldo’s role is pivotal in shaping the region’s energy future amid a rapidly evolving global shift toward decarbonization.
The Colombian former beauty pageant winner is also a lawyer with a specialization in international business—a background that enhances her ability to evaluate market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and long-term investment potential. This training has allowed her to bridge the gap between technical innovation and policy development, positioning her as a key voice in shaping not just national but regional energy strategies.
In direct response to Colombia-specific challenges—such as the stalled development of wind energy in La Guajira due to regulatory bottlenecks, grid integration issues, and conflicts with Indigenous communities—Giraldo initiated a multi-agency task force that brokered agreements between the government, developers, and Wayuu leaders. Her legal and diplomatic efforts helped redesign Colombia’s consultation protocols, which are now being used as a national model to fast-track stalled projects while respecting Indigenous sovereignty.
Her proposed reforms were adopted into Colombia’s 2025 Energy Agenda, resulting in the reactivation of several stalled wind and solar farms, including the 205 MW Windpeshi project, which is now back on track for completion by 2027. She also championed a nationwide framework for energy communities, enabling collective ownership of solar installations, and guided its implementation through both legislative advocacy and direct technical support.
In a moment when global institutions are calling for trillions in new energy investment to meet 2050 net-zero goals, Giraldo’s approach reflects a regional voice grounded in equity and execution. Her insights have been featured in high-level policy roundtables in Santiago and Brussels, where she has emphasized that Latin America’s success will depend on investor confidence, grid modernization, and political stability.
As new technologies like battery storage and offshore wind enter the Latin American market, Katlen Giraldo’s influence is expected to grow. She is not only setting policy but shaping how the global South defines a just transition—one that is profitable, scalable, and deeply rooted in local needs.
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