ECPA | 2018-2019 Action Plan Matrix

“TOWARD ENERGY TRANSITION IN THE AMERICAS”

I. Collaborative Actions

Pillar 1: Energy Efficiency

Country Leading Initiative	Brazil
Specific Topic	Implementation of ISO 50.001 in industries
Objective	To implement ISO 50.001 as an effective instrument recognized worldwide for continuous improvement
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	USA, Mexico, Colombia or other interested countries.
Activity Description	- Certification of auditors of Management System. - Promotion of accreditation mechanisms for institutions that carry out conformity assessment. - Training of professionals in 40 small and medium industries and 9 major industries. - Demonstrative case of implementation of ISO 50,001 in three industries, two medium and large. - Dissemination of results.
Implementation Period	2 years
Coordination Sponsorship	International organizations, for instance, UNIDO, ECPA, UNEP, Coordination: Mines and Energy Ministry
Expected Results	Energy savings, increase of number of certified organizations on IS0 50.001 or of ISO 50.001 implementations, building capacity and dissemination of benefits of ISO 50.001 implementation.
Country Leading Initiative	Colombia
Specific Topic	Education in energy efficiency
Objective	To support the inclusion of energy efficiency and renewable energy issues in formal education at the preprimary, elementary, and middle school levels)
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	United States and Mexico or multilateral banks.
Activity Description	Preparation, editing, printing, and distribution of 5,000 copies of the Methodological Guide drawn up on the subject for teachers at the preprimary, elementary, and middle school levels and the holding of 5 events (workshops) in 5 cities (one per city) to promote it.
Implementation Period	First half 2018
Coordination Sponsorship	Technical coordination by the Mining/Energy Planning Unit (UPME). The idea is to obtain multilateral bank (IDB, World Bank, etc.) or cooperation agency (USAID, AMEXCID, or similar) financing for the preparation, editing, printing, and distribution of the proposed material.
Expected Results	Technical coordination by the Mining/Energy Planning Unit (UPME). The idea is to obtain multilateral bank (IDB, World Bank, etc.) or cooperation agency (USAID, AMEXCID, or similar) financing for the preparation, editing, printing, and distribution of the proposed material.
Country Leading Initiative	Costa Rica
Specific Topic	Electrification of public and private transport.
Objective	To encourage and reinforce the use of electric transportation in order to reduce the use of fossil fuels, environmental pollution, and adverse impacts on health.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Partnerships between countries interested in joint pilot projects and access to cooperation.
Activity Description	- Establishment of a regional network for cooperation and exchange of experience acquired with the electrification of transportation. - Technical studies for developing charging infrastructure, communication platforms, and electric transportation business models. - Implementation of pilot projects for compiling experiences with the use of new technologies in public and private transport. - Maintenance of an electricity grid with a high percentage of renewable sources to ensure the availability of clean energy for the electrification of transportation. - Ensuring the reliability of the electricity system with a high percentage of variable renewable energies by developing smart networks and storage systems.
Implementation Period	Preparation, editing, printing, and distribution of 5,000 copies of the Methodological Guide drawn up on the subject for teachers at the preprimary, elementary, and middle school levels and the holding of 5 events (workshops) in 5 cities (one per city) to promote it.
Coordination Sponsorship	5 years
Expected Results	- Access to international cooperation and technology transfer resources. - Technical assistance for capacity building and the carrying out of technical studies relating to electric transportation, variable energy sources, smart networks, and power storage.
Country Leading Initiative	Chile
Specific Topic	Energy efficiency in the use of firewood for heating homes.
Objective	To exchange experiences with the efficient use of firewood for heating homes in Chile and Uruguay, in order to strengthen public policies in this area in the two countries.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Chile, Uruguay
Activity Description	1. Carrying out a diagnostic assessment of public policies pursued in Chile and Uruguay with respect to efficient use of firewood for heating purposes. 2. Presenting cases of successful application of public policies regarding the efficient use of firewood for heating. 3. Forming of working groups for knowledge transfer and strengthening public policies on the use of firewood in the two countries. 4. Generating a cooperation report for the two countries aimed at boosting public policies in the area of the efficient use of firewood for heating purposes.
Implementation Period	2018-2019
Coordination Sponsorship	AUCI, AGCI (the Uruguayan and Chilean International Cooperation Agencies), Ministry of Energy of Chile, Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining of Uruguay
Expected Results	Based on the learning process, the establishment or improvement of public policies for more efficient and less polluting use of firewood and its by-products.
Country Leading Initiative	Chile
Specific Topic	Electric mobility.
Objective	To develop education and knowledge of electric mobility; costs and benefits.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Chile, Mexico, and Peru (financed), and interested ECPA countries.
Activity Description	Promotion of electric mobility focusing on infrastructure and training of the workforce through workshops and other activities.
Implementation Period	2018-2019
Coordination Sponsorship	APEC, Ministry of Energy of Chile
Expected Results	Training of the workforce of the countries involved, in order to foster the diversification of the fuel energy matrix with a higher percentage of electric mobility.
Country Leading Initiative	Mexico
Specific Topic	Efficiency Program in the Federal Public Administration (APF).
Objective	To share Mexico’s and Chile´s experience with promoting efficient use of energy in the public sector and to strengthen capacities in participating countries for designing and implementing energy efficiency programs in public sector buildings and vehicle fleets.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Chile, Argentina[1]
Activity Description	With the support of the National Commission for the Efficient Use of Energy (CONUEE) and the Energy Efficiency Division of the Ministry of Energy of Chile, three separate activities may be carried out: 1. Introductory seminars: To address background, content, and general administrative provisions that form part of the APF Efficiency Program. Besides, the Chilean experience about the program “Gestiona Energía” will be shared. 2. Training in implementing an Energy Efficiency in Government Facilities. Program:[2] - Internal governance for operating the program. - Familiarity with alternative technologies for replacing lighting and other devices. - Familiarity with energy management systems and traineeship networks. 3. Implementation of pilot programs: assistance and follow-up to identify financing opportunities with international organizations.
Implementation Period	10 months
Coordination Sponsorship	Technical Coordination Unit (TCU) of EPCA for conducting Webinars Potential partners: IDB/ECLAC/OLADE/PM (sic; WB?)
Expected Results	X number of programs implemented/under way in public sector entities in ECPA in 2019.
Country Leading Initiative	Peru
Specific Topic	Implementation of energy efficiency measures.
Objective	Electrification of public and private transport.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Countries participating in ECPA.
Activity Description	- Design of financial mechanisms to support investment in energy efficiency measures. - Dissemination and promotion of energy efficiency labeling. - Preparation of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards-MEES. - Transformation of the lighting market towards more energy-efficient technologies. - Mandatory audits in the public sector. - Encourage the constitution of certified suppliers for energy audits. - Promotion of energy management systems. - Promotion of sustainable construction standards related to energy efficiency.
Implementation Period	2018-2019
Coordination Sponsorship	Technical and financial resources; synergies and partnerships with ECPA countries.
Expected Results	Reduction of the demand for energy through energy-efficient technologies.
Country Leading Initiative	Peru
Specific Topic	Inclusion of electric vehicles.
Objective	To reduce energy consumption in the transportation sector.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Brazil, United States
Activity Description	- Development of an energy NAMA to promote clean transportation and innovative and sustainable technologies. - Carrying out of pilot schemes in certain parts of the country to verify its technical and financial viability. - Promotion of electric vehicles.
Implementation Period	2018-2019
Coordination Sponsorship	UNDP; synergies and partnerships with ECPA countries.
Expected Results	Increased use of electrical vehicles.
Country Leading Initiative	Uruguay
Specific Topic	Description of the vehicle fleet and the use made of it.
Objective	To develop a methodology for surveying the vehicle fleet and its use.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Partnership with countries in the region facing the same issues.
Activity Description	a) Preparation of a survey methodology to be applied throughout the region to gauge the size and nature of the vehicle fleet. b) Design of surveys for each transportation segment in order to determine: the vehicle fleet, routes, age, average consumption and other characteristics associated with its use in the transportation sector. c) Preparation of a manual to be updated from time to time. d) Establishment of specific indicators for monitoring and evaluating policies pursued in the transportation sector. e) Capacity-building within institutions for conducting studies, either directly or in a counterpart capacity.
Implementation Period	3 years
Coordination Sponsorship	- Cooperation between countries with experience in this field and advances with regard to methodology. - Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining with assistance from the “interagency group on energy efficiency in transportation.”
Expected Results	- Standardized methodology for surveys of the vehicle fleet and ways it is used. - Manual on periodic updating of the methodology. - Specific indicators for the transportation sector. - Personnel trained in this field.
Country Leading Initiative	Uruguay
Specific Topic	Development of electric transportation.
Objective	To explore the potential for expanding electric transportation in Uruguay.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners
Activity Description	a) Adjusting vehicle fleet projection methodology and determining the potential for electronic transportation, taking into account technical and economic aspects of the technologies involves and the socioeconomic characteristics of the country. b) Studying the spillover effects of introducing electric transportation. c) Developing a regional methodology for the leasing or purchase of electric vehicles. d) Developing standardized charging systems in the region to facilitate electric traffic between countries.
Implementation Period	4 years
Coordination Sponsorship	- Need for an expert of countries with electric transportation expansion policies. - Cooperation with countries to develop regulations in cooperation with the technical standardization agency, via regional workshops and meetings. - Cooperation among countries to develop specifications through technical exchanges and workshops. - Experts in studies of spillover effects (externalities).
Expected Results	- Potential for the expansion of electric transportation in Uruguay. - Spillover effects from introducing electric transportation. - Specifications/conditions for the purchase of electric vehicles. - Regional standardization of the charging system.

[1] Initial proposal pending confirmation with the technical counterparts of CONUEE and open to the participation of all EPCA member countries.

[2]The Energy Efficiency Program for public facilities in Mexico considers buildings, vehicle fleets and industrial facilities.

Pillar 2: Renewable Energy

Country Leading Initiative	Antigua and Barbuda
Specific Topic	Waste to Energy applications.
Objective	To reduce pressure on existing waste disposal facilities, reducing pollution and reducing fossil fuel use and imports through harnessing of renewable energy sources.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Antigua and Barbuda and potentially other eastern Caribbean countries.
Activity Description	Feasibility assessments of appropriately scaled waste to energy facilities and financing of the venture.
Implementation Period	24 months
Coordination Sponsorship	International technical and financial assistance agencies; national waste management, health, and energy authorities; private sector waste entrepreneurs.
Expected Results	Harnessing of available base load energy from nationally generated wastes leading to reduced pressures on waste disposal facilities, and reduced coastal and land-based pollution, as well as generation of electricity from renewable sources.
Country Leading Initiative	Argentina
Specific Topic	Access to modern and affordable energy services in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Objective	- To gather the latest findings and experiences from organizations like OLADE and the IDB around the subject matter. - Focus on the issue of affordability of energy services in emerging economies. - Complement the G20 Access to Energy Action Plans for Sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	G20 member countries
Activity Description	This activity will be jointly developed by OLADE and the IDB under the leadership and supervision of the G20 Argentine Presidency. During the first half of 2018, progress will be reported at the G20 Energy Sustainability Group meetings, where the rest of the G20 members will make their contributions and recommendations.
Implementation Period	October 2017- September 2018
Coordination Sponsorship	Coordinated by Argentina in collaboration with OLADE and IDB
Expected Results	G20 Access to Energy Action Plan for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Country Leading Initiative	Chile
Specific Topic	Unconventional renewable energies.
Objective	To share knowledge and experience with regard to regulating and managing renewable energies.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Chile, Argentina
Activity Description	Binational seminar to exchange lessons learned and best practices with respect to: - Changes to regulations that have impacted the development of Unconventional Renewable Energies - Regulation of Small Energy Distributed Generation, Net-billing, and self-consumption without grid-injection. Role and rights of the actors involved, remuneration system. 2017-2018 GIZ, Ministry of Energy of Chile, Ministry of Energy and Mining of Argentina Shared learning experiences between both countries on regulatory amendments, regulation, strategy, and changes in the handling of unconventional renewable energies, with a view to establishing and improving public policies in these areas. - Development and trends. - Strategy implemented to develop distributed generation for self-consumption (Net-billing, DG without injection): Regulation – Monitoring Supply-side stimulation –Demand activation -Public solar roofs program.
Implementation Period	2017-2018
Coordination Sponsorship	GIZ, Ministry of Energy of Chile, Ministry of Energy and Mining of Argentina
Expected Results	Shared learning experiences between both countries on regulatory amendments, regulation, strategy, and changes in the handling of unconventional renewable energies, with a view to establishing and improving public policies in these areas.
Country Leading Initiative	Peru
Specific Topic	Increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the energy matrix.
Objective	To diversify the energy matrix in order to ensure reliable, regular, ongoing, and efficient satisfaction of the national demand for energy; promote sustainable development; and support energy planning.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Countries participating in ECPA.
Activity Description	- Promoting investment in electric power generation using renewable energy. - Evaluating the energy matrix after introducing unconventional renewable energy resources (RER). - Promoting distributed generation to encourage self-generated electricity using renewable sources and cogeneration. - Promoting smart networks. - Drawing up of the National Energy Plan to evaluate diversification of the matrix and the increase in generation using RER.
Implementation Period	2018-2019
Coordination Sponsorship	Technical and financial resources, synergies, and partnerships with EPCA countries.
Expected Results	Greater diversification of renewable energy sources.

Pillar 3: Efficient Use of Fossil Fuels

Country Leading Initiative	Canada
Specific Topic	Cleaner Oil and Gas Working Group.
Objective	Rename the existing Heavy Oil Working Group to the “Cleaner Oil and Gas Working Group” and expand its scope beyond heavy oil to include all oil and gas production. The working group will promote best practices for managing the development of all oil and gas resources through clean technology and innovation with a focus on reducing emissions associated with their development. Efforts to increase the sustainability of the oil and gas sector will encourage investment and support the creation of a more resilient industry.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Canada, with potential participation from countries that partook of the Heavy Oil Working Group: Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, and the U.S. (subject to confirmation)
Activity Description	Activities would build upon the foundation established though previous meetings of the Heavy Oil Working Group. It is proposed that the Working Group focus on information exchange and knowledge-sharing related to: • clean technology innovation to mitigate emissions; • policy and regulatory best practices; and • the role of the public and private sectors to support clean technology development and uptake. The first meeting of the newly expanded working group would focus on sharing information and knowledge gained from methane and black carbon mitigation projects in Canada and Mexico. Natural Resources Canada is currently collaborating with Mexico on a project to identify high-impact emission reduction opportunities in the oil and gas sector and develop jurisdictional emissions reduction strategies that are both cost-effective and of sufficient impact to quantifiably and verifiably reduce emissions.
Implementation Period	2018-2019
Coordination Sponsorship	Participation in the Working Group will be open to all ECPA members, including industry. The participation of oil and gas industry and international organizations will be encouraged.
Expected Results	Clean technologies and practices to mitigate emissions and increase energy efficiency in the oil and gas sector are highly transferable across jurisdictions and will help enhance the environmental, economic and social sustainability of this sector. Collaboration under the proposed new working group will seek to: • improve emissions monitoring and reporting; • identify opportunities to cost-effectively improve resource recovery and environmental performance; • inform regulatory/policy development and research/clean technology development priorities; and • enable access to capital for implementation of emission reduction projects.
Country Leading Initiative	United States
Specific Topic	Remote or In-Person Workshop on Methane emissions reduction.
Objective	Sharing best practices in support of the ECPA pillar of cleaner and more efficient use of fossil fuels.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Hemispheric.
Activity Description	(Proposed) Remote/DVC or In-Person Technical Workshop on methane emissions reduction.
Implementation Period	2018-2019
Coordination Sponsorship	USDOE, Office of Fossil Energy; Open to partnerships.
Expected Results	Facilitate sharing of best practices on methane emissions reduction.

Pillar 4: Energy Infrastructure

Country Leading Initiative	Ecuador
Specific Topic	Promoting energy security in the electricity system.
Objective	To diversify the energy matrix with renewable energies, strengthening the generation system. - To strengthen protection of electricity infrastructure from external threats (climate change, cyber-attacks, technological shifts, natural disasters)
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Open to countries in the region with experience and interest in this field
Activity Description	- Establishing the complementarity and stability criteria to be considered when planning an expansion of energy generation. - Analyzing external threats and establishing methodologies for incorporating them in planning. - Analyzing policies and incentive mechanisms to promote generation using unconventional renewable sources (geothermal, solar, wind, biomass). - Exchanging of information regarding successful experiences and lessons learned in the region.
Implementation Period	2018-2020
Coordination Sponsorship	Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy
Expected Results	- Planning processes strengthened and capacities built. - Policies and incentive mechanisms implemented
Country Leading Initiative	Ecuador
Specific Topic	Promoting private participation in the electricity sector.
Objective	- To promote public-private partnerships in the electricity generation segment. - To develop competitive bidding processes for constructing and operating generation projects
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Open to countries in the region with experience and interest in this field.
Activity Description	- Exchanging experiences among countries. - Designing and implementing transparent, competitive, and efficient public selection processes.
Implementation Period	2018-2023
Coordination Sponsorship	Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy
Expected Results	By 2023: several generation projects carried out on a public-private partnership basis.

Pillar 5: Energy Poverty

Country Leading Initiative	Chile
Specific Topic	Strengthening of energy capacities.
Objective	To provide technical cooperation to boost energy capacities in Haiti.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Chile, Haiti, and other ECPA countries interested in providing technical assistance and counseling for Haiti.
Activity Description	Establishing a Technical Cooperation program for providing assistance in the areas of energy efficiency, access to energy, and institutional support
Implementation Period	2018-2019
Coordination Sponsorship	AGCI, Ministry of Energy of Chile
Expected Results	Provision of technical know-how on energy matters to the Republic of Haiti with a view to forging effective public energy-related policies.
Country Leading Initiative	Uruguay
Specific Topic	Right to energy
Objective	To exchange best practices and lessons learned in implementing regularization, access, and energy sustainability policies in the urban residential sector.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	ECPA countries
Activity Description	- Network for cooperation and the sharing of experiences in this field among countries of the region. - Workshops in which technical personnel share their experiences with implementing: 1) Energy regularization and access policies. 2) Key components and tools for ensuring sustainability in access to energy. 3) Approach and socio-educational experiences with communities regarding energy efficiency. 4) Impact monitoring and assessment methodologies.
Implementation Period	2018-2019
Coordination Sponsorship	Technical cooperation among countries. Experts on energy policies for the residential sector.
Expected Results	- Network of countries implementing initiatives aimed at guaranteeing secure access to (modern) energy for the entire population. - Manual of best practices to be replicated and lessons learned. - Monitoring indicators.
Country Leading Initiative	Uruguay
Specific Topic	Right to energy
Objective	To exchange best practices and lessons learned in implementing regularization, access, and energy sustainability policies in the urban residential sector.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	ECPA countries
Activity Description	- Network for cooperation and the sharing of experiences in this field among countries of the region. - Workshops in which technical personnel share their experiences with implementing: 1) Rural electrification policies. 2) Rural electrification experiences with isolated systems: design of installations, complementarity of sources, technology transfer and user “ownership” of the technology, criteria for setting tariffs, the right equipment for users, and so on. 3) Socio-educational training for users and the community to familiarize them with the systems and with energy efficiency, to ensure that isolated solutions are sustainable. 4) Impact monitoring and assessment methodologies.
Implementation Period	2018-2019
Coordination Sponsorship
Expected Results	- Network of countries implementing initiatives aimed at universalizing secure access to (modern) energy for the whole of the population. - Manual of best practices to be replicated and lessons learned. - Monitoring and evaluation indicators.

Pillar 6: Regional Energy Integration

Country Leading Initiative	Chile
Specific Topic	Electricity interconnection.
Objective	To move ahead with bilateral and multilateral electricity interconnection projects with countries in the region.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Chile, Peru, Argentina, and interested ECPA countries.
Activity Description	- Studies of electricity connection options between Chile and Peru, and between Chile and Argentina. - Workshops to disseminate the conclusions of electricity interconnection reports.
Implementation Period	2018-2020
Coordination Sponsorship	IDB, CAF, Ministry of Energy of Chile, Ministry of Energy and Mines of Peru, Ministry of Energy and Mining of Argentina
Expected Results	Studies completed assessing the economic benefits of electricity interconnection among participating countries and distributed among other ECPA countries interested in the subject.
Country Leading Initiative	Ecuador
Specific Topic	Strengthening of international electricity interconnections.
Objective	To foster and consolidate electricity exchanges in the region.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Open to all countries in the region.
Activity Description	- Developing mechanisms for coordinated planning between and among countries. - Developing regulatory frameworks for promoting integration of electricity markets. - Establishing funding mechanisms for implementing interconnection projects.
Implementation Period	2018-2023
Coordination Sponsorship	Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy
Expected Results	By the end of the implementation period, the regional will enjoy a stronger, secure, and stable electricity system, supported by energy policies conducive to the sustainability of the sector.
Country Leading Initiative	Central America and Mexico
Specific Topic	Electricity interconnection and market integration.
Objective	Advance bilateral and regional electricity interconnections and trade.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Central America, Colombia, Mexico with support from the U.S.
Activity Description	Central America power: System operator budget methodology; renewable energy integration; contracts and financial transmission rights, regional grid reliability.
Implementation Period	2012-2022
Coordination Sponsorship	CDMER, EOR, CRIE, IDB and U.S. government.
Expected Results	Studies assess the feasibility, economic benefits and potential expansion of electricity interconnection among participating countries. Technical Assistance to strengthen the regional electricity market (MER)
Country Leading Initiative	United States
Specific Topic	Advancing Metrology for Sustainable Energy Technologies and the Environment in the Western Hemisphere - Second Phase.
Objective	To support the deployment of sustainable energy technologies and foster low carbon economic growth in the Americas.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	Hemispheric.
Activity Description	Metrology for sustainable energy technologies and the environment. To strengthen metrology capabilities of technical stakeholders in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, air quality and greenhouse gases in beneficiary countries through short and long technical exchanges, trainings and webinars.
Implementation Period	2016-2020
Coordination Sponsorship	National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Expected Results	- Improved metrology’s infrastructure to support GHG emission measurements, air quality, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. - Increased technical skills on metrology applications for sustainable energy technologies and air quality. - Reinvigoration of the role of Metrology to support the adoption of international standards and measurements needed to advance the adoption of sustainable energy technologies and improve air quality. - Knowledge exchange and best practices among hemispheric technical agencies Increased communication to bridge gap between sustainable energy, air quality and policy making. - Knowledge exchange to prepare government officials and metrology communities to respond to the technical needs that are arising as part of the implementation of the commitments to reduce GHG.
Country Leading Initiative	United States
Specific Topic	Advancing Metrology for Energy Efficient Measurements and Compliance in Central America and Dominican Republic.
Objective	To strengthen capabilities of government officials and technical stakeholders to perform energy efficiency measurement and compliance assessments in equipment and appliances, as means to contribute to a sustainable energy policy development in the context of the Central America Integration System (SICA).
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners	SICA member states.
Activity Description	Metrology for the promotion of energy efficiency in SICA member states. To support the implementation of the Central America Technical Regulation on Energy Efficiency (RTCA) for household appliances and equipment through technical training, awareness, knowledge sharing, best practices, technical exchanges and regional cooperation.
Implementation Period	2017-2020
Coordination Sponsorship	National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Expected Results	- Improved metrology’s infrastructure for energy efficiency. -Institutional strengthening on technical capabilities needed for regulation development, accreditation and certification of energy efficiency. - Increased communication between regulators and technical agencies involved on energy and policy-making. - Increased knowledge on testing, conformity assessment, energy performance standards, labeling and enforcement protocols for energy efficiency. - Regional integration and cooperation to tackle energy and standards harmonization issues. - Engage government officials and metrology communities to respond to the technical needs arising as part of the implementation of the commitments to reduce GHG emissions and improve air quality.

Pillar 7: Energy Research and Innovation

Country Leading Initiative	Chile
Specific Topic	Electrical storage batteries.
Objective	To analyze the possibility of developing regional production of batteries.
Participating Countries/ Potential Partners
Activity Description	a) Feasibility study for regional production of storage batteries for use in transportation and/or storage systems. b) Alternative uses of batteries that have reached the charge cycles recommended for electrical vehicles. c) Development of regulations governing the use and disposal of batteries. d) Studying of Quickdrop recharging systems using battery switch.
Implementation Period	2 years
Coordination Sponsorship	Technical assistance from academic institutions specializing in the subject. Cooperation among countries to develop regulations, jointly with standardization agencies.
Expected Results	- Feasibility of developing regional production of batteries. - Options for second uses of batteries - Regulations governing the use and final disposal of batteries.-Feasibility of rapid battery switches