Public Policies for Development in Renewable Energy for a Transformation to a Sustainable Economy

Abstract

Multinational enterprises and public organizations will play a key role in fulfilling international policy regarding the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which provides a plan of action for people, the planet, and prosperity. Renewable energy investments could be a sustainable alternative toward reaching the goal of Energy for All, implemented under the understanding of Partnerships for the Goals. Based on a qualitative longitudinal study of wind energy investments in Mexico, I argue that the transition to an ecological and sustainable economic system is based on a dichotomy of neoliberal public policies concerning renewable energy investments that have left local communities behind. The dichotomy found in this research is explained through an economic system that facilitates the conduct of business within a politically independent country exclusively with private local and foreign organizations, supported by local and foreign governments and excluding partnerships with local communities. This study highlights the key role of partnerships between private/public organizations and local communities in a decentralized model of renewal energy toward achieving the SDGs, and proposes guidelines to policymakers on partnerships in renewable energy.