Renewable energy as a motor for a decarbonized and inclusive economy by 2050:
public policy considerations in Costa Rica
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15359/peds.6-1.6Keywords:
Public goods, Climate Change, Sustainable development, Energy governance, Public policyAbstract
Energy governance distinguishes amongst its main challenges access and energy security, climate change and other environmental impacts, as well as economic and social development. This research examines the links between renewable energy and these challenges, as well as the opportunities it offers to achieve the goals of economic prosperity, decarbonization and inclusion from the perspective of public policy. To this end, a systematic review of the global energy governance literature was conducted and a historical analysis of the case of the electricity sector in Costa Rica and the main policy instruments related to the triple goals, closing with the example of the Decarbonization Plan 2050. For the processing of information, a qualitative analysis based on the process-tracing method was applied. The theoretical approach was nurtured by the concepts of governance, public goods and the central role of the State. Main results show that the country's electricity model currently produces almost 100% of its electricity with renewable energy, which despite having its own challenges, needs to permeate other sectors, mainly transport, in order to reduce emissions and boost the economy. The Decarbonization Plan stands out as a policy tool to drive the system of energy governance towards climate goals and sustainable economic recovery in the long term, however its scope is limited in terms of social inclusion.
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