Geopolitics of Global Energy Transformation and Territorial Dynamics of Energy Transition in South America

Geopolítica da Transformação Global da Energia e Dinâmicas Territoriais da Transição Energética na América do Sul

Abstract

This article aims to analyze global and regional South American contexts of the on-going energy transition, from a territorial and geopolitical energy perspective. Multiscalarity is adopted as a methodological strategy that allows analyzing social actors beyond a single scale of political action. It is complemented with a bibliographical review and interpretation of reports prepared by several international organizations. The conclusions confirm that on a global scale the trend is to achieve decarbonisation through actions by States, society and companies that mitigate climate change. At the South American regional scale, energy transition is more complex, as it seeks to contribute to improve the quality of life of society with a strategy of diversification of electricity matrix - focused on gas resources and hydroelectric energy - but unsolved, historical and geopolitical conflicts, added to social, economic and political issues, make it difficult to achieve a deeper and more sustainable regional energy transformation.

Keywords:
Geopolitics, territory; energy; energy transition; South American