Navigating the energy transition in South America: Regulatory challenges and trends in Chile’s evolving energy legal landscape

Skewes, Fernanda; Guzmán, Óscar; Cortés, Julián; Rivera, Marco

Abstract

The Chilean electricity system is undergoing a profound transformation driven by climate goals and the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This transition, characterized by significant state intervention and regulatory reforms, addresses the gaps left by market dynamics in achieving swift and comprehensive change. However, these changes bring challenges such as transitional risks and regulatory uncertainties that require the energy sector to integrate clean technologies while reshaping institutional frameworks. This article examines the regulatory challenges and trends in Chile's energy law, focusing on four pivotal areas: the just energy transition, the right to energy, market regulation for the transition, and frameworks for emerging technologies. Through a thorough review of these dimensions, the paper highlights recent legal advances, regulatory innovations, and critical areas for reform. By offering a comprehensive analysis, it aims to illuminate how legal and regulatory tools can support Chile's transition towards a sustainable and equitable energy system. This study contributes to the global discourse on the transition of energy by providing relevant insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders.

Citation

Skewes, F., Guzmán, Ó., Cortés, J., & Rivera, M. (2025). Navigating the energy transition in South America: Regulatory challenges and trends in Chile’s evolving energy legal landscape. Energy Research and Social Science, 121, Article 103957. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2025.103957

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 28, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Feb 11, 2025
• Publication Date: 2025-03
• Deposit Date: Jan 29, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 29, 2025
• Journal: Energy Research & Social Science
• Electronic ISSN: 2214-6296
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 121
• Article Number: 103957
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2025.103957
• Keywords: access to energy, energy democracy, energy justice, energy markets regulation, energy poverty, just energy transition, right to energy, storage regulation, hydrogen regulation
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/44688496
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629625000386
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: Navigating the energy transition in South America: Regulatory challenges and trends in Chile’s evolving energy legal landscape; Journal Title: Energy Research & Social Science; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2025.103957; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.