Research consultancy to identify policy barriers to green data center development in Latin America and the Caribbean

Description

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is seeking a research consultancy to investigate how institutional and regulatory frameworks in the energy sector influence the growth of digital infrastructure. As data centers and telecommunications networks become increasingly energy-intensive, the study aims to identify the barriers preventing the shift toward "green" (sustainable and renewable) digital development in the LAC region.

Key components of this consultancy include:

1. Energy-Digital nexus and regulatory gaps
The study focuses on the "missing link" between energy market structures and telecommunications needs. The consultant will assess:

Coordination Gaps: Identifying where energy and telecom regulators fail to align on approval processes and long-term supply agreements.

Pricing & Predictability: How current electricity pricing structures and grid governance affect the cost-predictability required for large-scale data center investments.

Renewable Integration: Assessing how generation and distribution models influence the ability of digital firms to secure stable, 100% renewable energy contracts.

2. Case studies and contextual analysis
The research must move beyond theory by selecting a diverse set of country examples within LAC. The goal is to:

Contrast different regulatory environments (e.g., centralized vs. liberalized energy markets).

Identify "success stories" where institutional conditions have led to more stable and energy-efficient digital deployment.

Analyze how policy uncertainty in specific nations influences the siting and design of new data centers.

3. Actionable policy recommendations
The final objective is to develop a roadmap for reform. This includes:

Policy Briefs: Creating targeted documents for regulators to streamline the approval of green data center projects.

Governance Frameworks: Proposing new models for inter-sectoral coordination between energy and digital ministries.

Sustainable Incentives: Identifying investment incentives that reward energy efficiency and the use of carbon-neutral power sources for connectivity networks.

4. Stakeholder engagement and knowledge products
The firm will be responsible for a Comprehensive Report and dissemination materials. This involves active engagement with industry experts, energy regulators, and telecom providers to validate findings and ensure that recommendations are grounded in the operational realities of the LAC market.

Note: Interested research institutions must carefully review the registration requirements in the BEO Bidders Portal.