The Regulation and Policy of Latin American Energy Transitions examines the ongoing revolution within the energy landscape of Latin America. This book includes real-world examples from across the continent to demonstrate the current landscape of energy policy in Latin America. It focuses on distributed energy resources, including distributed generation, energy efficiency and microgrids, but also addresses the role of less common energy sources, such as geothermal and biogas, as well as discusses the changing role of energy actors, where consumers become prosumers or prosumagers, and utilities become service providers. The legal frameworks that are still hampering the transformation of the energy landscape are explored, together with an analysis of the economic, planning-related and social aspects of energy transitions, which can help address the issue of how inequalities are affecting and being affected by energy transitions. The book is suitable for policy makers, lawyers, economists and social science professionals working with energy policy, as well as researchers and industry professionals in the field. It is an ideal source for anyone involved in energy policy and regulation across Latin America. Reviews key legal and policy features defining success and failure within the diverse Latin American energy transitions Provides clear descriptions and comparisons of current and potential future policy frameworks in Latin America across differing social, economic, geo-political and policy contexts Analyzes the potential role of new technologies and practices in developing the region's energy economy Poses key regulatory challenges and possible means to finance the envisioned transitions

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.

This Element focuses on Latin American fossil fuel producer countries and how they are dealing with the transition towards a greener energy matrix. The challenges involved are multiple and ethical in substance. In particular, a worldwide expansion in clean energies would reduce climate change, physical risks. A rapid transition, however, induces the irruption of a new (financial) risk. The energy transition, in addition, could be thought of as a new arena for political disputes. Finally, it evaluates the relevance of monetary policy and financial regulation to tackle the issue from a macro perspective. Energy transition, however, have also long-term but uncertain consequences on the national economy. Henceforth, and in order to minimize risks, a long-term, strategic vision of the challenge confronted by the region becomes mandatory. To tackle all these problems, this Element profits from contributions of different disciplines.

Physical Capital Development and Energy Transition in Latin America and the Caribbean introduces the reader to applied theory and potential solutions to manage the transition from fossil energies to renewables given the resource wealth and infrastructural limitations of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. The work presents consistent empirical approaches and relevant econometric approaches grounded in case studies that offer realistic portrayals of complex multidisciplinary phenomena. It provides policymakers with the knowledge needed for economic decision-making, especially regarding the energy transition and the physical capital development in the LAC (and similar developing regions). The work concludes by road mapping future LAC physical capital investment options to promote 21st-century sustainable energy development. Analyses the macroeconomics of physical capital and energy transition in LAC countries Uses case studies to draw pragmatic comparative energy policy implications Deploys econometric techniques to address empirical approaches on energy and development economics Discusses the effects of the energy transition on environmental degradation Links energy economics and public investment management

This book explores the potential for renewable energy development and the adoption of sustainable production processes in Latin America and the Caribbean. By examining the energy transition process, the impact of environmental degradation, and the relationship between renewable energy sources and economic growth, the effects of increased globalisation and liberalisation in this part of the world are analysed. Particular attention is given to renewable energy investment, the energy-economics growth nexus, the impact of trade openness, and the mitigation of carbon emissions. This book aims to highlight econometric techniques that can be used to tackle issues relating to globalisation, the energy transition, and environmental degradation. It will be relevant to researchers and policymakers interested in energy and environmental economics.

This book explores the perplexing question of how to increase sustainable energy technology use in the developing world, and specifically focuses on two megacities within Latin America. Renewable Energy Uptake in Urban Latin America examines the market and uptake of two sustainable energy technologies (solar water heaters and biogas to produce electricity) in two locations, Mexico City, Mexico and São Paulo, Brazil in the 2000s. Drawing from three systems-based analytical frameworks – including one developed by the author for the purpose of this study – the book examines the varying factors affecting the implementation of renewable energy technologies (RETs) in urban Latin America. These frameworks emphasize the importance of examining socio-political dimensions; rather than conventional explanations that focus on technical and economic aspects only. By doing so, the research improves explanations about renewable energy technology (RET) adoption in the global South. These findings are useful for scholars, policy makers and practitioners working on RET adoption; resulting in a book which helps to inform wider debates regarding innovation, decarbonization, sustainability transitions and energy system change. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of energy transitions, energy policy, development studies and science and technology studies.