• Define and distinguish key concepts related to energy systems in Latin America, including energy transition, energy diversification, energy justice, and sustainable development.
• Analyze the political, economic, social, and territorial implications of energy transitions in the region, with attention to the uneven distribution of benefits, risks, and decision-making power.
• Evaluate the roles of public and private actors—including governments, international organizations, businesses, and civil society—in shaping green energy investments and transition pathways.
• Critically assess how national and regional energy policies interact with market forces (e.g., supply and demand, price volatility, international trade) and influence the strategies of energy firms and stakeholders.
• Develop informed, context-sensitive recommendations for advancing energy transitions that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially just in Latin America.

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.

• Classic and basic theory
• Teacher’s own research

• Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
• Students conduct independent research-like activities under supervision

Brannstrom, C., Gorayeb, A., de Sousa Mendes, J., Loureiro, C., Meireles, A. J. de A., Silva, E. V. da, Freitas, A. L. R. de, & Oliveira, R. F. de. (2017). Is Brazilian wind power development sustainable? Insights from a review of conflicts in Ceará state. In Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (Vol. 67, pp. 62–71). Elsevier Ltd. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.1016/​j.rser.2016.08.047

Carvajal-Romo, G., Valderrama-Mendoza, M., Rodríguez-Urrego, D., & Rodríguez-Urrego, L. (2019). Assessment of solar and wind energy potential in La Guajira, Colombia: Current status, and future prospects. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 36, 100531. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.1016/​J.SETA.2019.100531

de Melo, C.A., Jannuzzi, G.D.M., Bajay, S.V., 2016. Nonconventional renewable energy governance in Brazil: lessons to learn from the German experience. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 61, 222–234. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.1016/​j.rser.2016.03.054.

Gómez-Navarro, T., Ribó-Pérez, D., 2018. Assessing the obstacles to the participation of renewable energy sources in the electricity market of Colombia. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 90, 131–141. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.1016/​j.rser.2018.03.015.

Ramirez, J. (2021). Contentious Dynamics Within the Social Turbulence of Environmental (In)justice Surrounding Wind Energy Farms in Oaxaca, Mexico. Journal of Business Ethics, 169(3), 387-404. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.1007/​s10551-019-04297-3

Ramirez, J., Velázquez, D. A., & Vélez-Zapata, C. (2022). The Potential Role of Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions in Colombia's Areas of Limited Statehood for Energy Diversification towards Governance in Energy Democracy. Energy Policy, 168, 19. [113135]. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.1016/​j.enpol.2022.113135

Sovacool, B.K., 2021. Clean, low-carbon but corrupt? Examining corruption risks and solutions for the renewable energy sector in Mexico, Malaysia, Kenya and South Africa. Energy Strategy Rev. 38, 100723. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.1016/​j.esr.2021.100723.

Walker, G., Devine-Wright, P., 2008. Community renewable energy: what should it mean? Energy Policy 36, 497–500. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.1016/​j.enpol.2007.10.019.