Energy Security and Sustainable Development in South America: Potentials, Benefits and Challenges Regarding Regional Integration

• In Event: Existing Cooperations in Latin American: Current and Future Perspectives

Abstract

In South America, the high economic dynamism has been contributing not only to reducing poverty and better social conditions, but also to the creation of negative externalities such as environmental pollution and increasing carbon emissions promoters of climate change. These are responsible for significant and growing economic costs which undermine the foundations of the current development model. As a consequence, the region should implement profound changes in its development paradigm and build a sustainable model. South America’s electricity is mainly hydroelectric and the subcontinent is extremely rich in natural resources, thus revealing the possibility of a deep focus on renewable energy. Besides, the strong possibility of productive complementarity among South-American countries seems to point to regional integration as an important vehicle for the development of the region. Is regional energy integration the most advantageous and appropriate way to address some of the challenges that lie ahead and promote a sustainable development model in the continent? This paper aims to analyze South America’s potential to move towards a low carbon economy through regional energy integration and explore the benefits and challenges associated with the pursuit of such a project.

Author

• Joana Castro Pereira, Lusíada University