With the support of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), the IIU conducted a study with the objective of identifying and analyzing cooperation in the Southern Cone region, especially Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, in the energy sector. The main mechanisms and institutions responsible were mapped, in addition to highlighting the growing importance of neighboring countries, such as Bolivia and Chile.

The study included the integration of regional electricity and natural gas, going through the different institutions responsible for the production, distribution and commercialization of energy resources. Notwithstanding the verification of the existing infrastructure and integration, both institutional and commercial, possibilities for the coming decades were also studied, in addition to outlining a strategy for the “implementation of a coordinating process".

It was emphasized the importance of having strong institutional support for the solidity and permanence of the negotiations, in addition to fostering bilateral and multilateral approaches, with a path that is presented through Mercosur.

This effort culminated in a report by Professor Renato Flôres.