Impacts and prospects for the expansion of offshore wind energy and energy security
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63618/omd/revinvlid/v3/n2/1Keywords:
offshore wind energy, energy security, energy transition, marine governance, Latin AmericaAbstract
Latin America has a relatively renewable electricity matrix, yet it still faces vulnerabilities associated with droughts, hydropower dependence, transmission delays, fossil fuel price volatility, and unequal energy access. The objective of this study was to analyze the impacts and prospects for the expansion of offshore wind energy and its potential contribution to regional energy security. The methodology consisted of an exploratory bibliographic review based on scientific, technical, and institutional documents related to offshore wind potential, energy transition, socio-environmental impacts, governance, costs, and power system integration. The results showed considerable technical potential in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, and Uruguay, although this potential is conditioned by port infrastructure, transmission capacity, financing, regulation, water depth, and socio-territorial acceptance. The discussion suggests that offshore wind energy is not an automatic solution, but rather a strategic infrastructure whose feasibility depends on marine spatial planning, energy justice, cumulative environmental assessment, and stable financial mechanisms. It is concluded that this technology can strengthen Latin American energy security if integrated into an orderly, resilient, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy transition.
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