Latin America Hits 68% Renewable Energy This February

Latin America and the Caribbean generated 67.7% of their electricity from renewable sources in February 2026, according to the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE). That's more than double the renewable energy share in the United States and well above the European Union's average.

The milestone represents real progress for a region that has quietly become a global leader in clean energy. Countries like Paraguay, Costa Rica, and Uruguay regularly run on nearly 100% renewable power, while larger nations like Brazil and Chile continue expanding their wind and solar capacity.

Hydropower still provides the backbone of the region's renewable energy mix, but solar and wind are growing rapidly. Chile recently connected major battery storage systems to support nighttime solar power, while countries across the region continue awarding contracts for new wind farms and solar installations.

The achievement stands in stark contrast to wealthy nations still struggling to transition away from fossil fuels. The EU reached 47.2% renewable electricity in 2025, while the US hit just 30% in early 2026.

The Ripple Effect

This clean energy leadership is reshaping Latin America's role in global climate action. Countries that were once seen as developing economies are now proving that ambitious renewable energy targets are achievable and affordable.

The region's success also demonstrates that geography matters. Abundant rivers, strong sun exposure, and consistent wind patterns give Latin American nations natural advantages for renewable energy. But the real story is political will. Governments across the region have invested heavily in clean energy infrastructure rather than doubling down on fossil fuels.

These investments are paying dividends beyond environmental benefits. Renewable energy is creating jobs, reducing electricity costs in many areas, and decreasing the region's dependence on imported fossil fuels. Countries are building interconnections to share clean power across borders, with plans for 5 gigawatts of new transmission capacity by 2040.

The February record proves that transitioning to clean energy doesn't require sacrificing economic growth or energy reliability. Latin America is running modern economies on sunshine, wind, and water while many wealthier regions still debate whether the transition is possible.

Other nations now have a working model to follow, one built not on distant promises but on power grids already running on clean energy today.