Aid for Just Energy Transitions? Critical Analysis of Selected Spanish Aid for Transformative Energy Projects in Latin America

The historical marginalization of Indigenous populations in Latin America is exacerbated by environmental degradation, and also by often unjust development initiatives. Against this backdrop, this study conducted a critical analysis of Spanish aid-supported projects, with a focus on identifying the presence (or absence) of essential climate justice indicators. The research methodology entails a comprehensive desk review employing a content analysis of 13 energy projects in Latin America. Our proposed climate justice framework includes four categories: (i) acknowledgment of historical injustices, (ii) inclusion and participation of vulnerable [Indigenous] communities, (iii) capacity-building, and (iv) job creation for Indigenous communities. The findings highlight the lack of transformative nature of the analyzed projects: over half of the projects demonstrated positive outcomes in one category only, with only a single project scoring positively in all four categories. The inclusion and participation of Indigenous groups were observed in less than half of the projects, while most projects provided capacity-building opportunities. This research adds to a critical perspective in examining aid projects by suggesting a decolonial and just transition perspective.