In this week's @iea.org newsletter, Exec. Director Faith Birol reminds us that hydropower is a "forgotten giant of electricity". He's right! Hydropower already plays a significant role in many places (especially across LATAM). It should remain part of any future energy planning scenarios.

Renewables accounted for 71% of Latin America and the Caribbean's electricity generation in June. Hydropower accounted for 51% of electricity generation in Latin America and the Caribbean in June, according to a new report from OLADE. 9 countries equaled or surpassed that 71% average! #energysky

Their summary of the key drivers (screenshot attached) shows that some of the biggest price drivers from 2019 to 2024 were (a) extreme weather and wildfires, (b) variability of natural gas prices, and (c) net energy metered solar (specifically policies related to net metering). #energysky #energyhub

More than 727 million people are still living without access to electricity, and global progress has stalled, according to recent IEA data. Early data for 2025 shows that the trend isn't changing.#energysky #energyhub

Pasé las últimas semanas asistiendo a conferencias en Chile (X Semana de la Energía) y Panamá (World Energy Week). Fueron semanas magníficas. Tengo tres conclusiones claves de mis viajes 🧵

Virginia accounts for nearly $2B of this cost transfer. Ohio follows with ~$1.3B. The public is effectively being forced to subsidize Big Tech's massive, sudden energy demand. #energysky #energyhub

The report also explains that demand for power in NY is growing due to increased electrification, industrial expansion, and "large loads" (AI data centers). This could place unprecedented stress on the grid. In less than a year, the queue for large loads has more than doubled to 10 GW #energysky

The NYISO forecasts that 3,000 MW of conventional fossil-fuel generation is likely to become unavailable by 2034 due to old age or policy impacts. Approximately 60% of that generation is in New York City. #energysky

First, who is NYISO? NYISO is the New York Independent System Operator. They are responsible for managing New York's grid and the electricity market (see a map below). Part of their job is to publish plans that analyze the future of New York's grid, and their new plan is concerning.#energysky

Last weekend, while hiking through part of the Andes Mountain range, a large body of water near what looked like a substation (simply defined: a place that houses electrical equipment to transform power to safe levels for homes and businesses) caught my eye.