A Review of the Progress and Potential of Energy Generation from Renewable Sources in Latin America
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Published:2023-03-20
Issue:2
Volume:58
Page:383-402
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ISSN:1542-4278
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Container-title:Latin American Research Review
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Lat. Am. res. rev.
Author:
Escamilla-García Pablo EmilioORCID,
Fernández-Rodríguez EmmanuelORCID,
Jiménez-Castañeda Martha E.ORCID,
Jiménez-González Carlos O.ORCID,
Morales-Castro José AntonioORCID
Abstract
AbstractSustainable energy economics in Latin America has become relevant due to the region’s dependence on the oil market and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review of the ten major economies in the region based on gross domestic product is conducted. We primarily analyze production performance of hydro, wind, and solar energies, in terms of total gigawatt hours produced, current participation levels in energy matrices, and total installed capacity. Current and future trends and legal frameworks for each technology and country are discussed. Our analyses indicate that Latin America and the Caribbean can potentially increase the usage of renewable energy sources given a plethora of natural resources, favorable geographical and climatic conditions, and existing large-scale hydro installations to counteract the inconsistency of wind and solar projects. Therefore, governments in the region must overhaul sustainable policies to increase awareness and reduce energy dependence on foreign powers.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Subject
Sociology and Political Science,Geography, Planning and Development,Multidisciplinary,General Arts and Humanities,History,Literature and Literary Theory,General Economics, Econometrics and Finance,Development,Anthropology,Cultural Studies,Political Science and International Relations
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