En­ergy Trans­ition for Sus­tain­able De­vel­op­ment in Lat­in Amer­ica

Course content

Many Latin American countries have historically relied on hydropower and fossil fuels to meet their energy needs. In response to global climate commitments—such as the Paris Agreement—and growing domestic pressures, governments across the region are rethinking their energy matrices by incorporating nonconventional renewable sources, including wind (onshore and offshore), solar, biomass, waste, tidal, and geothermal energy. This process, commonly referred to as energy transition or energy diversification, is transforming the political economy of the region.

To accelerate this transition, many Latin American countries have revised their energy policies. These policies not only determine how energy is generated, stored, transported, and distributed, but also shape patterns of consumption and long-term development. However, energy transitions are not purely technical processes—they are deeply embedded in social, economic, legal, and cultural realities. As such, efforts to diversify energy systems can create tensions with development goals, and in some cases exacerbate inequality, territorial conflict, or limited access to energy for marginalized populations.

This course examines the strategies and dilemmas involved in transitioning to more sustainable energy systems in Latin America, with a focus on:

• How states, firms, and communities engage with these transformations;

• How multinational enterprises (MNEs) and public institutions shape and are shaped by evolving energy policies; and

• How new energy models can address (or reproduce) issues of energy poverty, territorial justice, and citizen participation.

We will explore key theoretical perspectives including energy planning and policy, institutional theory, energy democracy, energy justice, environmental justice, governance, and energy poverty. Case studies will highlight real-world challenges and innovations across the region.

Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate the political, economic, and social implications of energy transitions, and to develop informed, context-sensitive recommendations for supporting just, inclusive, and sustainable energy futures in Latin America.