Narratives and Geographical Imaginaries on Hydroelectric Dams in Patagonia: Energy Entanglements to Think the Anthropocene on a Regional Scale (1967-2021)

ABSTRACT

This article analyzes the narratives and geographical imaginaries of the Anthropocene through an examination of two hydroelectric milestones in Argentine Patagonia: the construction of the Chocón-Cerros Colorados complex (1968-1977) and the Cóndor - Cliff-La Barrancosa dams (since 2013). Using the perspectives of Political Ecology and Latin American Ecofeminism, we problematize the energetic interconnections between work, nature, and development in Patagonia, where the Anthropocene has been characterized by the persistent imaginary of “Patagonia-energy” and its connotations of civilization and development. The analysis is based on short films produced by the government, businesses, and unions, as well as other artistic and activist-artist productions. Finally, this work also discusses a resistance movement that grew out of worker-led Choconazo protest in 1969, and has since expanded to include Indigenous and ecofeminist resistance movements against Terricide.

Keywords:
Patagonia-Energy; Anthropocene; Energy Assemblages; Hydroelectric Dams; Terricide