1st Edition

Renewable Energy Uptake in Urban Latin America Sustainable Technology in Mexico and Brazil

By Alexandra Mallett Copyright 2020
    260 Pages 15 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    260 Pages 15 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    This book explores the perplexing question of how to increase sustainable energy technology use in the developing world, and specifically focuses on two megacities within Latin America.



    Renewable Energy Uptake in Urban Latin America examines the market and uptake of two sustainable energy technologies (solar water heaters and biogas to produce electricity) in two locations, Mexico City, Mexico and São Paulo, Brazil in the 2000s. Drawing from three systems-based analytical frameworks – including one developed by the author for the purpose of this study – the book examines the varying factors affecting the implementation of renewable energy technologies (RETs) in urban Latin America. These frameworks emphasize the importance of examining socio-political dimensions; rather than conventional explanations that focus on technical and economic aspects only. By doing so, the research improves explanations about renewable energy technology (RET) adoption in the global South. These findings are useful for scholars, policy makers and practitioners working on RET adoption; resulting in a book which helps to inform wider debates regarding innovation, decarbonization, sustainability transitions and energy system change.



    This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of energy transitions, energy policy, development studies and science and technology studies.

    1. The Urban Developing World and Energy System Change: More than Equipment, Skills and Money

    2. Assessing RET Uptake through Systems-Based Approaches

    3. Energy System Change in Urban Latin America: Solar Water Heaters and Biogas for Electricity Generation in Mexico City 

    4. Energy System Change in Urban Latin America: Solar Water Heaters and Biogas for Electricity Generation in São Paulo

    5. What’s Shaping Our Views About Technologies? The Role of Previous Experiences 

    6. Urban Technology Cooperation: An Alternative Explanation for RET Adoption in Latin American Cities 

    7. Broader Policies (Trade and Competitiveness) and their Effects on RET Adoption in Mexico City and São Paulo: A Closer Look 

    8. Policy Suggestions and Conclusion

    Biography

    Alexandra Mallett is an Associate Professor at the School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) and the Carleton Sustainable Energy Research Centre (CSERC), Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada. She is also the Supervisor for Carleton’s Master of Arts (MA) program in Sustainable Energy (SE).