Energy politicization: Acceleration of energy projects in Chile

Abstract

This article is aimed to define the characteristics of the concept of energy politicization using as an analytical framework the energy projects submitted to the Chilean Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA). Methodologically, a database that describes the energy sector of more than 3 megawatts (MW) between 1992 and 2018 was created. It analyzes, at regional and national levels, the variables number of projects, type of presentation, status of projects, totality of the energy matrix and investment amounts. The results show a noticeable acceleration in the presentation and approval of projects, as well an environmental institutional framework that facilitates the approvals through low complexity processes. When relating the results with the concept of energy politicization, a state of depoliticization of the environmental institutionality is observed, which is expressed in a limited level of rejection of projects. Consequently, the research discusses the evaluative capacity of the SEIA.