New technologies driving infrastructure development in Latin America

The evening provided a valuable space to reflect upon how Spain, the UK, and Latin America are driving sustainable infrastructure and energy development.

The opening remarks discussed the global instability in energy supply caused by geopolitical tensions. Eduardo Soler-Tappa of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer continued by considering the increasingly global nature of the infrastructure sector. He recognised the leadership of Latin America in producing renewable energy and the need for fruitful public-private partnerships.

The first panel of the conference explored the impact of digitisation on infrastructure development. The panellists recognised the increasing role that data is playing in infrastructure design, but celebrated that it allows designers to make more accurate, human-centred decisions. Moving forward, we need to build AI into our future infrastructure to continue this trend. The panellists agreed on the need for updated smart regulations to match these changes.

The Infrastructure CEO of ACCIONA, José Díaz-Caneja participated in a fireside chat with Herbert Smith Freehill Kramer’s Iria Calviño. The pair discussed the ongoing urbanisation of Latin America and the increased infrastructure demand that produces. Building on the first panel, José recognised demand for water created by data centres as a key challenge for the coming years. As the conversation continued, José explained ACCIONA’s use of the concept of regenerative infrastructure. This idea views infrastructure projects as long-term investments that not only need to be maintained but improved over time. This process is facilitated by ongoing technological innovation.

The second panel focused on energy collaboration between Spain, the UK, and Latin America. The discussion stressed that collaboration, not competition, is key in this sector. The panellists recognised that electrification is now inevitable, and new technologies are being developed to drive this change, including increased investment in hydrogen technology. Stability is key to sustainable and long-term success in infrastructure, with global uncertainty harming investment. Therefore, combustibles remain an important feature of the energy generation picture, for now.

Jordi Colgan, the Director General of Economic Diplomacy at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered closing remarks that recognised the growing energy crisis, but shared optimism that private-public partnerships can build a more sustainable future.

This event was hosted in partnership with Casa de América and sponsored by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. Canning House extends its thanks to the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK and the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain for their support, and to all the speakers for their participation.

Photos from the conference