Introduction.
"Most of the world efforts in order to decarbonize the energy sector are centred in policies to change the electricity matrix, reducing radically the participation of fossil fuelled thermal generation - replacing coal and oil by other sources. Additionally, efforts are being made to increase the final use of electricity, including the promotion of new electric transportation modes.
Even if the proposed solution is not easily reachable, it has been lately made possible as electricity can be currently generated in a very competitive way from new renewable sources - wind and solar – without the direct emission of greenhouse gases. Nevertheless, as the sharp growth of wind and solar generation in the world is bringing far-reaching changes in the power sector, the intermittency of these new sources is still a problem waiting to be properly dealt with.
This context and perspectives for the power sector in the current century are not very different for both Iberian Peninsula and Latin America, connected more than separated by the Atlantic Ocean, where the penetration of the renewable forms is taking place, changing the traditional structures of the power sector. Given the cultural proximity of these regions, some common specificities may be found through a comparative view and explored in order to enlighten the complex issues involved in the transformation of their energy systems.
This transition to clean energy sources seems to have a broad support of the local public opinion in both regions, indicating that it will likely be continuously pursued, independent of eventual oppositions, as the climate warming is becoming a more serious problem and the need to reduce the emission of the greenhouse gases is asking for timely actions.
Although most of the initial steps have been supported by governmental incentives and regulation, the crucial players for the success of these new technologies are the companies that effectively implement the necessary investments, including among them, Spanish and Portuguese traditional power multinationals. Considering that they are present in both regions here examined, and, as such, take part in both institutional fields influencing decisions, they reinforce, with its technical and political presence, the occurrence of common trends in all three countries here examined.
As the transition brings radical changes and new players and technological advances disrupt the older “business as usual” patterns, it is important to discuss and continuously develop new policies and regulations. The comparative analysis of national cases may help to promote adequate investments to reach the desired goals.
Spain and Portugal are leading transformation efforts, under a European Commission framework. These transitions, however, have to be cautiously considered as most European countries are currently replacing coal by natural gas, another fossil fuel. A further, more aggressive, expansion of renewables may be needed in the future, even if it will create new operational and commercial problems to be dealt with.
Latin America, in particular, a later mover, may learn from the experiences already in course in the Iberian Peninsula, facilitated by its cultural heritage. Here, for simplicity, the scope of the Latin America analysis is restricted to the Brazilian case, but its findings could probably be extended to other countries."