Carlos Batlle at the XVI SIMPOSIO: It Is Important to Strengthen the Institutional Framework to Guarantee the Development of the Electricity Sector
- The Spanish expert pointed out that the future of the national industry depends on a modernization that integrates infrastructure, efficient transmission, and stable regulatory frameworks, taking advantage of lessons learned from other markets.
Lima, May 27, 2026. Carlos Batlle, professor of the Department of Electrical Engineering at the ICAI School of Engineering at Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid, stated that Peru has the opportunity to take advantage of increasingly cheaper energy to strengthen the competitiveness of strategic industries such as mining.
During his presentation at the SIMPOSIO– XVI International Mining Meeting, organized by the National Society of Mining, Petroleum and Energy (SNMPE), Batlle argued that the world electricity system is going through a critical moment due to the growing weight of electricity in the economy, the energy transition, and the need to guarantee reliability and resilience.
While the advancement of renewable energy has led to increasingly competitive tariffs across various markets, Batlle cautioned that this progress will not be sufficient if countries fail to effectively organize their entire electricity systems. He emphasized the importance of coordinating generation, transmission, system security, regulation, and emerging strategic demands to mitigate adverse effects on competitiveness and economic development.
The Spanish expert emphasized that all these factors directly impact the competitiveness of industries, quality of life, transportation, and economic development. In the case of mining, he maintained that poor planning or inadequate regulation can raise costs and affect the sector’s ability to compete and provide adequate service.
He highlighted that a primary challenge will be the development of a comprehensive plan for the electricity system that anticipates generation locations, the expansion of transmission networks, and the economic signals necessary for consumers and investors.
He further underscored the importance of strengthening the institutional framework and governance of the sector. He noted that nothing poses a greater challenge for investors than uncertainty regarding which institution to approach or navigating uncoordinated processes among various entities.
Finally, Batlle asserted that countries like Peru still have the opportunity to learn from the mistakes encountered in other markets. He emphasized that the challenge extends beyond transitioning to cleaner and more affordable energy; it also involves establishing a reliable, resilient, and well-regulated electrical system capable of supporting both the country’s growth and its mining sector.
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