Compensations and Energy Justice in the Context of Green Hydrogen: Reflections From the Austral South
Abstract
Developing solar and wind megaprojects has faced resistance from local communities due to their socio-environmental impacts and the included compensations being perceived as unfair. This study analyzes the challenges of compensatory measures from an energy justice perspective, taking the Chilean wind farms as a case, emphasizing the Magallanes region as a pilot territory for developing the green hydrogen industry. For this purpose, we used the review of Environmental Impact Studies, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups with key stakeholders in the energy sector. The results reveal a low presence of socio-economic compensations, an incipient early relationship with communities, low community participation in decision-making and monitoring of compensations, as well as limited State mediation in the associated conflicts. These findings invite a reflection on the need for frameworks that promote fairer and more sustainable socio-economic compensations.
Keywords
Compensatory measures, fair energy transition, distributive justice, procedural justice, recognition justice.