Paraguay ranks fourth among the world’s largest per capita producers of hydropower, clean and renewable energy. However, there is a significant difference between the production and demand of electricity. Most of this energy is destined for export, which characterizes a great paradox of the energy matrix. Energy consumption is predominantly based on biomass and hydrocarbons, and electricity penetration is quite limited, with difficulty replacing other energy sources. In this context, the main sector of fossil fuel consumption is transport, therefore, the country must allocate large financial resources to import all petroleum products whose price is also subject to fluctuations in the international market. The motivation of the work is to explore a sustainable alternative of consumption of hydrocarbons in transport and analyse the impact of the insertion of electric vehicles in the national energy matrix, specifically private vehicles. This analysis was carried out by developing an integrated bottom- up energy model using the LEAP © (Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning System) software, focused on the particular transport sector. The measure adopted is based on the inclusion of electric vehicles in the Paraguayan automotive fleet, in order to reduce fossil fuel consumption by 20% in the private transport sector, thus helping to meet some of the objectives of the National Development Plan Paraguay 2,030. As a result, it was found that 137,013 electric vehicles will be necessary to achieve such reduction in fossil fuel consumption. As an effect on the national energy matrix, there would be a reduction of two percentage points in the consumption of hydrocarbons and an increase of two percentage points in the consumption of electricity, thus helping the clean energy sources produced to be used nationally

This paper presents an analysis of the Paraguayan energy sector, based on the Energy Balance developed through a joint project between Itaipu and the Itaipu Technological Park Foundation, in collaboration with the Bariloche Foundation. This work analyzes the situation of the Paraguayan energy sector in hydropower, as well as the energy matrix. An analysis of the Residential, Industrial, Transportation, Agriculture and Forestry is performed, and the Sales, Services and Public sector. It also summarizes initiatives in energy efficiency that has been implemented or are expected to implement to improve the rational use of energy from all sources.

Political fragmentation continues to block urgently needed power integration in Latin America, despite the region’s vast renewable energy potential. Using the Multiple Streams Approach (MSA), we argue that the escalating climate crisis now acts as a focusing event, aligning a pressing energy problem, viable integration solutions, and growing political will. This alignment signals that a policy window is currently open. We combine MSA with system modeling to quantify overlooked political costs of inaction—specifically, geopolitical tensions and erosion of trust—offering new leverage for policy entrepreneurs. Simulations for 2025–2050 show that continued fragmentation increases system costs by up to 7%, reduces resilience to hydroclimatic shocks, and concentrates benefits within narrow cooperating blocs under low-trust conditions. These measurable and rising costs underscore that regional energy integration is no longer just a technical or economic issue—it is a political imperative. Bold leadership must act now to seize this fleeting window of opportunity.

International Economic Integration entails collaborative efforts among nations to overcome barriers and achieve shared benefits. The development of analytical models is crucial for comprehending the interaction of countries as a collective entity. In South America, MERCOSUR stands out, comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. In this study, Economic Complexity metrics were applied to analyze productive capacities within MERCOSUR. The results underscore integration's significance by forming economic blocs, capabilities are expanded, enriching diversity and the scope of production. Economic complexity serves as a pivotal tool for assessing interdependence and enhancing countries' global positioning. In summary, this work highlights how economic integration, exemplified by MERCOSUR, enhances productive capacity, propelling development, and competitiveness in an interconnected world. Leveraging a novel computational mathematical model, this study offers insights into the complex dynamics of international economic integration, shedding light on strategies to foster growth and collaboration in a rapidly evolving global landscape.