Chapter 4 - Energy (and climate) challenges in South America: what planning for what transition?

Abstract

The main purpose of this chapter is to analyze the link between energy planning and energy transition in South America, particularly considering climate challenges. To this end, two questions arises: the first one seeks to evaluate the existence or not of a real energy transition in South America, trying to identify how it happens, based on what metrics and with what objectives. Second, the other question aims to analyze the relevance or not of regional organizations in promoting this transition, stressing the role of greater mutual regional planning. To answer these questions, a methodological framework based on documentary research was carried out, collecting, systematizing, and analyzing primary and secondary data, and using official documents from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Mercosur, UNASUR, CAN, OLADE, the International Energy Agency, BP, and Climatescope. The Nationally Determined Contributions analysis intends to evaluate whether or not the regional approach is considered in each national contributions, which is also analyzed through the regional organizations.