Political Economies of Energy Transition: Wind and Solar Power in Brazil and South Africa

Hochstetler's research examines the low-carbon energy transitions in Brazil and South Africa, highlighting the role of political economies in electricity choices. Brazil's focus on deforestation and South Africa's resistance to coal-based electricity systems illustrate different paths to climate change mitigation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 293 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Global climate solutions heavily rely on the implementation of low-carbon energy transitions in developing countries, yet there remains limited understanding of the precise pathways these transitions will take. By examining the energy transition experiences of Brazil and South Africa, Hochstetler sheds light on how decisions regarding wind and solar power are influenced by four distinct sets of interests and institutional arrangements, or four simultaneous political economies of energy transition.

In Brazil, the political economy of climate change placed the country on a different trajectory compared to South Africa. South Africa faced an existential threat due to its heavily coal-based electricity system, which posed a significant challenge to its sustainability. Climate concerns, however, took a secondary position in electricity planning in Brazil, as deforestation dominated the country's climate emissions. Consequently, climate concerns were not prioritized in electricity planning. Both Brazil and South Africa witnessed substantial mobilization around industrial policy, cost, and consumption issues, underscoring the significance of economic factors in shaping electricity choices in emerging economies.

While host communities in Brazil initially resisted the installation of wind power projects, they were more receptive to other forms of renewable energy. Hochstetler argues that the national energy transition ultimately hinges on the interplay between these political economies. South Africa serves as an example of a politicized transition mode, where political factors play a central role in shaping energy policy decisions. On the other hand, Brazil presents a bureaucracy-dominant energy transition model, where bureaucratic processes and regulations dominate the decision-making landscape.

Understanding the dynamics and complexities of these political economies is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to promote sustainable and equitable energy transitions in developing countries. By examining the experiences of Brazil and South Africa, we can gain valuable insights into the factors that influence energy choices, the challenges faced during transition, and the potential pathways to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

ISBN-13: 9781108826808