Understanding Conditioning Factors for Hydroelectric Development in Chile: Bases for Community Acceptance

Cristian Escobar-Avaria, Rodrigo Fuster (), Katherinne Silva-Urrutia, Carl Bauer and Andrés de la Fuente
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Cristian Escobar-Avaria: Laboratory of Territorial Analysis, Department of Environmental Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources, Universidad of Chile, Av. Santa Rosa 11315, La Pintana, Santiago 1058, Chile
Rodrigo Fuster: Laboratory of Territorial Analysis, Department of Environmental Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources, Universidad of Chile, Av. Santa Rosa 11315, La Pintana, Santiago 1058, Chile
Katherinne Silva-Urrutia: Laboratory of Territorial Analysis, Department of Environmental Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources, Universidad of Chile, Av. Santa Rosa 11315, La Pintana, Santiago 1058, Chile
Carl Bauer: School of Geography, Development and Environment, University of Arizona, ENR2 Building, South 4th Floor, P.O. Box 210137, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
Andrés de la Fuente: Laboratory of Territorial Analysis, Department of Environmental Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources, Universidad of Chile, Av. Santa Rosa 11315, La Pintana, Santiago 1058, Chile

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 22, 1-21

Abstract: Chile has defined an energy development policy in which hydropower is an important part of the energy grid. This energy source has not yet been accepted by many people in local communities. For future hydroelectric development to be more widely accepted, the Chilean Ministry of Energy developed a methodological framework called Objects of Valuation. This framework is aimed at identifying the main community interests that may condition hydroelectric development. The objective of this paper is to analyze the scope of the framework based on a review of the scientific literature and information generated through participatory activities in three basins that have high hydropower potential. Analyzing the results obtained from the application of the framework, four complementary intangible factors not represented by the framework are identified: the lack of validation of a formal participatory process, under-recognition of different worldviews, distrust regarding the development of hydroelectricity, and a sense of self-determination in the community. These factors could potentially condition community acceptance of hydroelectricity, thereby limiting the framework as a decision-making tool. We recommend that this methodological framework should be complemented by the incorporation of intangible elements in the decision-making process, using a systematic tool applicable to spatial planning and strategic environmental-assessment processes.

Keywords: hydroelectric development; object of value; community acceptance; public acceptance; renewable energy development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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