Latin America and Caribbean Renewable Energy Finance Forum Highlights Economic, Environmental and Energy Security Benefits of Clean Energy

MIAMI, May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Delegates at the Renewable Energy Finance Forum – Latin America and Caribbean (REFF-LAC) discussed the future of the clean energy sector this week in Miami, as investment in the region continues to grow.

More than 200 senior level executives, government officials and financiers were on hand April 30 – May 1 to discuss success stories and the future of clean fuels in the region.

The Latin American & Caribbean Council on Renewable Energy (LAC-CORE) also awarded the first annual Clean Energy Award to Jose Maria Figueres, President of the Carbon War Room and former President of Costa Rica. The award is given jointly by LAC-CORE and Spanish-language Clean Energy magazine to a public figure who has done significant work towards the advancement of renewable energies in the region.

"Renewable energy is an exciting growth industry globally and in Latin America," said Carlos St. James, president, LAC-CORE. "President Figueres is an important leader in the work being done in the region to build a sustainable energy future for the world."

"This year's Forum was a remarkable success – clean energy in the region is growing rapidly which is why it is important to coordinate policies and share best practices," said Henry Hely Hutchison, managing director of Euromoney Energy Events. "The leaders at REFF-LAC are exactly the right people to develop the finance mechanisms and policies that will continue to drive the growth of clean energy in Latin America."

The 3rd annual REFF-LAC took place as Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) reported that clean energy investment in non-Brazil Latin America last year reached $4.6 billion, a 127% increase from 2011. (http://www.acore.org/news-media/press-releases/3318-clean-energy-investments-in-latin-america-total-9-7-billion-in-2012)

"Clean energy investment in many of these countries has now reached equity with Brazil," said St. James. "The region represents a real opportunity for investment and more success stories like the ones we heard this week from Barbados, Costa Rica, Mexico and Aruba."

"Growth in our industry is supported by investment and smart policy decisions throughout Latin America and the Caribbean," said Dennis V. McGinn, president, American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE). "The value chains we are creating are compelling. I am optimistic about the future, based on the knowledge we have shared during the past two days."

The next Renewable Energy Finance Forum will be the 10th anniversary REFF-Wall Street, taking place June 25-26 in New York. 

ABOUT REFF-LAC

On April 30-May 1, REFF-LAC addressed the rapidly changing state of renewable energy finance, and insights about the path ahead, with a specific focus on the Central, Latin American and Caribbean markets and how they are interacting with the broader global markets.

REFF-LAC is hosted by Euromoney Energy Events and the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE), in partnership with the Latin American & Caribbean Council on Renewable Energy (LAC-CORE). REFF-LAC is made by the industry, for the industry. For more information, visit http://www.refflac.com/index.php.

ABOUT ACORE

ACORE, a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization, is dedicated to building a secure and prosperous America with clean, renewable energy. ACORE seeks to advance renewable energy through finance, policy, technology, and market development and is concentrating its member focus in 2013 on National Defense & Security, Power Generation & Infrastructure, and Transportation. Additional information is available at www.acore.org.

ABOUT EUROMONEY ENERGY EVENTS

Euromoney Energy Events produces high-profile events for energy professionals worldwide. Our diverse range of conferences address topical issues in the energy sector, with a focus on financial and commercial aspects, in a portfolio that ranges across Renewable Energy, Waste, Power and Carbon Finance. For more information visit our website: http://www.euromoneyenergy.com.

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SOURCE American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE)