Energy Transitions in Latin America: The Tough Route to Sustainable Development

This book comprehensively analyzes the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning to sustainable energy systems in Latin America. Recognizing that energy transition goes beyond mere changes in energy systems, it is also essential to address the imperative of ensuring a just transition and equitable benefits for all, particularly for vulnerable populations. This recognition emphasizes prioritizing social equity and inclusivity throughout the energy transition process. By adopting a critical perspective grounded in multidisciplinary approaches from the social sciences, the book delves into the complex energy transition issues, exploring the broader social, economic, and political dimensions involved.

The book is divided into four parts. Part I highlights the changing energy mix in Latin America and the geopolitical implications of the increasing reliance on renewable sources. Part II examines the dilemmas faced by countries that rely on oil and gas revenues and the obstacles they face in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Part III analyzes the production, technology, and costs as limits and opportunities for energy transition and adoption of renewable energies. Finally, part IV explores energy access and the democratization of energy generation in Latin America, including efforts to address energy poverty, the growth of distributed energy, and prosumers.

Energy Transitions in Latin America: The Tough Route to Sustainable Development is a valuable resource that will benefit researchers in energy studies and policymakers alike. It serves as a comprehensive guide for those seeking to navigate the complexities of energy transitions. It is an essential source for fostering informed decision-making and driving sustainable development in the region.

Lira Luz Benites Lazaro holds a Ph.D. in Earth System Science from the National Institute for Space Research, Brazil. She also holds a Ph.D. and a master’s degree in Latin American Integration from the University of São Paulo, where she has made significant contributions to her field. Lira was a visiting researcher at the Durham Energy Institute in the United Kingdom. She is actively involved in research on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals in Brazil, working at the Institute of Advanced Studies of São Paulo University. With a wealth of experience in both research and academia, Lira has demonstrated her expertise in various crucial areas. Her research interests encompass environmental governance; energy transition; policy analysis; energy and climate policy; institutions and management; and the water-energy-food nexus. She is a member of the Working Group on Energy and Sustainable Development of the Latin American Council of Social Science (CLACSO).

Esteban Serrani is a Sociologist, he has a master’s degree in social research and a PhD in Social Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is a Researcher of the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) and Professor at the National University of San Martin, Argentina. He was Director of the Project ＂Approaches to the relationship between energy models and industrial policy in Argentina, 2002-2019＂ and ＂Analysis of the performance of large industrial companies in the energy transition in Argentina＂, supported by the National Agency for the Promotion of Research, Technological Development and Innovation. In Argentina, he is a Co-Director of the Center for Social Studies of the Economy, at the Interdisciplinary School of High Social Studies, National University of San Martin. In Latin America, he is the coordinator of the CLACSO Working Group on ＂Energy and Sustainable Development＂, he coordinates the energy transition and climate change working group of the International Development Economics Associates-Latin America (IDEAs-LAC) and he is member of the Academic Committee, Southern Cone Regional Center at Maria Sibylla Merian Center for Advanced Latin American Studies (CALAS).