Guatemala's Energy Minister Steps Down; Advisor Role Awaits

Víctor Hugo Ventura Ruiz concluded his tenure as Guatemala's Minister of Energy and Mines on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The government announced his departure without specifying the reasons. Ventura, who had served as minister since January 2024, will move to a new position as an advisor to President Bernardo Arévalo, focusing on strategic energy projects.

Erwin Rolando Barrios Torres, previously the deputy minister for Mining and Hydrocarbons, has been appointed as the new minister. Barrios brings over 25 years of experience in electricity distribution, transmission, and generation, and has led strategic public policies for the Guatemalan energy sector.

During Ventura's approximately 30-month term, the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) completed the 40-year oil exploitation cycle in Laguna del Tigre National Park as Perenco Guatemala's contract expired. The ministry also reactivated bidding processes for long-term generation expansion plans and a transmission network expansion, though the latter was not awarded. Ventura also presided over the National Electrification Institute (INDE), where financing for rural electrification projects reportedly reached US$370 million.