Socio-Ecological Controversies from Chilean and Brazilian Sustainable Energy Transitions

Abstract

Chile and Brazil have been historically recognised in South America for having a high share of renewable sources in their primary energy matrices. Furthermore, in the last two decades, aligned with the global efforts to conduct a sustainable energy transition, both countries have experienced a successful introduction of nonconventional renewable energy for power production. Nevertheless, some experiences with renewable sources have been demonstrated to be not entirely societally and environmentally friendly, as some local human communities and ecosystems are threatened, and conflicts have emerged, regardless of low-emission technology. Using the cases of Chile and Brazil, we aim to explore the socio-ecological dimension of sustainable energy transition―which has sometimes been ignored. We analyse the controversies regarding renewable energy and the emergence of socio-ecological conflicts through the principles of justice in transitions. Critical renewable conflicting power projects are identified using the Atlas of Environmental Justice’s database. Considering those experiences, we believe that reinforcing decision-making processes should be in synergy with identifying new alternatives to develop energy in both countries. Placing justice approaches at the centre of public policies is imperative to developing sustainable policies in the future.

Condições institucionais para o desenvolvimento das comunidades energéticas no Chile e no Brasil

“…On the flip side, the burgeoning and pervasive presence of renewables in power grids bolsters the case for the electrification of economies to achieve low-carbon or net-zero economies. Nevertheless, large-size renewable energy facilities face conflicts and challenges (Poque González et al, 2023a), which cannot be measured by the SDG 7 indicators (Galbiati et al, 2022).…”

“…The social and human nature of energy has become primordial, and concepts such as 'democracy' and 'justice' have become critical, as have calls for 'just transitions ' (Abram;Winthereik;Yarrow, 2020;García Parra et al, 2023;Lampis;Bermann, 2022;Leo Coleman, 2021). Transition-focused scholars highlight how it is crucial to consider social protection, dialogue, well-being, and equity while respecting vulnerable groups and their dignity in decision-making while also maintaining ecological awareness (Heffron et al, 2023;Poque González et al, 2023a).…”

“…Additionally, they have historically relied on water and fossil fuels and are recognised globally as emerging economies. Likewise, both have had conflicts linked to renewables and unresolved social and Sustainability in Debate -Brasília, v. 14, n.3, p. 88-104, dez/2023 ISSN-e 2179-9067 environmental challenges, raising new questions about the 'just' and 'sustainable' dimensions of the transition (Lampis et al, 2022;Poque González et al, 2023a). This paper explores the 'just' and 'sustainable' aspects of energy transitions in Chile and Brazil.…”

“…The analysis includes a review of the critical literature scrutinizing both energy transition paths, including works by Flores-Fernández (2020) and Lampis et al (2022). As both countries struggle with unfinished tasks related to local energy transitions, this study concentrates on local energy schemes (Hernando-Arrese;Rasch, 2022;Lazaro et al, 2022;Poque González et al, 2023a). As Cunha et al (2021a) emphasised, energy communities (ECs) offer potential as local catalysts for more 'just' and 'sustainable' energy transitions.…”