Investments in Clean Development Mechanism Projects in Latin America and Diversification of the Regional Electrical Energy Matrix

The proposal of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) assists signatory developing countries, such as those of Latin America, in using obtained resources of CDM, in the form of promoting economic, energetically sustainable development and expansion by means of distributed generation through renewable energy sources. In accordance with the CDM, activities, such as efficiency and/or energy conservation, in addition to renewable sources of energy, have the possibility of generating "carbon credits" (Certified Emissions Reduction). This article will introduce the opportunities in the Emissions Market (Emissions Trade) as well as expose the necessary conditions for investment in CDM in Latin America, illustrating project opportunities that contribute to the regional energy matrix. The Brazilian case will be analyzed at greater depth, observing legal and institutional aspects regarding active energy and the environment.