TCU Heads Regional Debate on Governance in the Energy Transition
By Secom / Serint
Governance for the energy transition was the main topic of the first in a series of four virtual sessions. This event was organized by the Infrastructure and Energy Transitions Commission (COINFRA) of the Latin American and Caribbean Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (OLACEFS), chaired by the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU). Held on June 26, the session gathered Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) from across Latin America and international experts, all working to strengthen auditing methodologies for the energy sector.
Representatives from the SAIs of Chile, Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Venezuela shared their national experiences during the session. These insights covered a wide spectrum, from fragmented regulatory frameworks to the successful integration of renewable energy sources and the involvement of non-state actors. This exchange bolstered regional cooperation and enhanced institutional capacity for overseeing sustainable infrastructure.
Governance as the Pillar of Change
Eduardo Cadena, advisor to the Executive Secretary of the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), offered a strategic perspective on the regional challenges of the energy transition. According to Cadena, “governance is the backbone of decisions, investments, and progress.”
He emphasized the importance of clear regulatory frameworks, institutional coordination, civil society engagement, and alignment of public policies. In his view, the absence of these elements undermines legal security, discourages investment, and weakens the effectiveness of energy policies.
Despite the region's high potential for renewable energy development and the creation of green jobs, OLADE’s Executive Secretary warned that limited institutional capacity and fragmented policies continue to pose major obstacles. “Without effective governance, the energy transition in Latin America will not be viable,” he concluded.
Led by the COINFRA Presidency (represented by the TCU) and in partnership with the SAI Costa Rica (which heads the governance working group), this activity is part of a broader regional strategy. Its goal is to enhance the oversight of public policies related to the energy transition, considering regulatory, institutional, and coordination aspects.
The upcoming COINFRA sessions will continue the discussion, exploring additional strategic themes for auditing the energy transition in the region.