Energy and Water Policies in Chile, Two Different Endings with Implications in the Water-Energy Nexus

Roxana Bórquez and Rodrigo Fuster
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Roxana Bórquez: Center for Climate and Resilience Research (CR2), University of Chile, Blanco Encalada 2002, 4 Piso, DGF, Santiago 8370449, Chile
Rodrigo Fuster: Department of Environmental Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Chile, Avenida Santa Rosa 11316, La Pintana, Santiago 8820808, Chile

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 11, 1-23

Abstract: Energy and water have faced important levels of conflicts in the last 20–25 years in Chile. However, the way that they have been politically addressed in the last decade differs. These differences emerge from how these fields have been historically configurated, impacting on how the policy problems and policy options have been framed. Using thematic analysis of 93 interviews and documentary analysis, this article analyzes by contrasting two participatory processes which nourish the formulation of the energy and water policies in Chile in 2014–2015. It seeks to understand the factors that may influence why the development, impact and inclusion of new voices in public policies related to water and energy have been different, and how that can impact the water–energy nexus. Five factors emerge as determinants in this difference: structure of use, number of actors, governance and institutional framework, elite conformation, and legal framework. These factors impacted the policy processes and the scope of the policy outcomes, generating two different results: a long-term energy policy, and a water policy that did not survive the presidential period. Thus, the water–energy nexus is under pressure as a result of the tension between power structures, social responses to environmental issues and decision-making, environmental limitations, and climate change stressors, creating greater vulnerability and conflicts.

Keywords: water; energy; water–energy nexus; policy-making; participation; elites; policy process; unregulated market (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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