Facing climate change is one of the greatest global challenges of our time. The increasing greenhouse gas emissions, driven largely by the use of fossil fuels, are warming the planet and oceans at an alarming rate. According to the United Nations, the energy supply sector (electricity, heating, and other types) is the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 35% of total emissions. In light of this reality, the transition to renewable energy sources has emerged as one of the most effective solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change and build a more sustainable and resilient future. In this regard, energy companies play a crucial role in leading this energy transition.
Renewable energy as a key solution
Renewable energies, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, offer clean, inexhaustible, and increasingly affordable energy, unlike fossil fuels. Their capacity to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2e) emissions is vital to meeting the goals set out in the Paris Agreement and limiting the rise in global temperatures to less than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
In this context, energy companies have a key responsibility to reduce their own emissions and even influence public policies, investments, and the large-scale adoption of clean technologies. Leading the energy transition means pioneering renewable projects, developing sustainable and secure infrastructure, and promoting decarbonization across the entire value chain.
Many companies are already taking on this role, investing in sustainable technologies and solutions. However, it’s not enough to just generate clean energy. True leadership involves integrating sustainability into the core of the business, from sourcing materials to energy use. This implies fostering innovation within organizations and their value chains, promoting local development, and creating synergies that help drive the adoption of clean energy and sustainable solutions.
Economic and environmental benefits
Beyond the clear environmental benefits, the transition to renewable energy also offers economic advantages. The reduction in solar and wind technology costs, along with job opportunities in green sectors, make this transition a profitable long-term investment. A study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) indicates that the transition to a low-carbon economy could generate millions of new jobs for Latin America and the Caribbean by 2030 and contribute to global economic growth.
At the corporate level, companies also improve their reputation, increase competitiveness, and enhance resilience to regulatory and market changes. Today, consumers and investors are increasingly committed to supporting organizations that promote sustainable practices.
Celepsa and its leading role in the fight against climate change
Since its inception, Celepsa has taken a leading role in the fight against climate change, not only by generating clean, reliable, and sustainable energy but also by developing various initiatives and concrete actions that have promoted sustainable development for over 14 years.
We create value through a sustainability strategy that acknowledges our diverse stakeholders, achieving shared growth and value. We responsibly manage water resources, drive social and economic development in the communities where we operate, and promote the transition to a carbon-neutral economy in the market with our energy solutions and nature conservation actions.
In this regard, our two hydroelectric plants, which are Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Projects, displace an average of 600,000 tons of CO2e annually. Additionally, in the operational area of our El Platanal Hydroelectric Plant, which utilizes the waters of the Cañete River, we have acted as founding partners of the Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve Trust for over a decade, investing in its development. Since 2015, we have allocated more than S/ 3.6 million to water resource enhancement initiatives, positively impacting approximately 25,000 hectares, including the conservation of key ecosystems such as wetlands and grasslands. Moreover, we have carried out actions such as the development of canals and dikes, the expansion of pasture areas, and livestock reorganization, which has increased water availability by more than 396,000 m³ and captured over 2 million tons of CO2e.
On this Climate Change Fight Day, we are reminded that this challenge requires a global effort, and we remain committed to a safe and sustainable energy transition, investing in renewable energy and concrete conservation initiatives to mitigate global warming. In this process, we invite all energy companies and stakeholders in society to take an active role in the energy transition and lead the way towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.
