Ramón Méndez Galain

Ramón Méndez Galain is a physicist and policymaker recognized for his leadership in the global energy transition and renewable energy policy. Méndez Galain holds a degree in physics from the University of Grenoble, France, and a doctorate in physics from the University of La Plata, Argentina. While teaching at Universidad de la República in Montevideo, Méndez Galain developed a proposal to address Uruguay's energy crisis through renewable energy, at a time when the country's energy system relied heavily on imported fossil fuels, resulting in high prices and frequent blackouts. His research led to his appointment as National Secretary of Energy, where he was tasked with implementing this vision.

As Uruguay's National Director of Energy, Méndez Galain designed the Energy Policy of Uruguay 2008–2030, which received approval from all political parties. He led the transformation of Uruguay's energy sector, resulting in 98 percent renewable energy in the electricity matrix and significant integration of wind energy. His approach, supported by the entire political system, enabled comprehensive changes in infrastructure, regulations, and market design. The transition attracted $6 billion in investment, reduced electricity generation costs by 40 percent, created 50,000 jobs, and decreased energy poverty by stabilizing energy prices through long-term contracts.

Méndez Galain also served as Uruguay's National Director of Climate Change, coordinating the development of the National Climate Change Policy 2020–2050 and contributing to the negotiation of the Paris Climate Agreement. Internationally, he served as President of the Council of International Renewable Energy Agency for two terms and as Deputy Governor for Uruguay at the International Atomic Energy Agency. He was also a board member of the Green Climate Fund. His work in energy policy was recognized by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy with the Carnot Prize and by the Climate Breakthrough Award.

Following Uruguay's energy transition, Méndez Galain founded Ivy, an organization that supports countries in Latin America and the Caribbean with climate and energy transitions. He has advised governments in Colombia, Chile, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Honduras, focusing on system redesign tailored to each country's needs and grounded in data-driven solutions. Méndez Galain was elected President of REN21, the global renewable energy policy network. He continues to teach at the university level, training future leaders in clean energy and sustainable development. Méndez Galain's career reflects the intersection of scientific expertise, policy innovation, and international collaboration in advancing renewable energy and climate action.