Uma questão de lugar: a governança da transição energética para uso das energias renováveis

Abstract

The research analyzes the role of place in the governance that shapes the energy transition towards the use of renewable energy. To this end, the thesis was elaborated in three articles that seek to fill gaps observed in the literature regarding the relationship between governance and place in the perspective of energy transition. It examines the relationships that are established between the place and the organizations and evaluates the dynamics of governance capable of boosting the transition towards the use of renewable energy in the state of Ceará. Understanding the concept of place offers a starting point for reflection on the legitimacy of governance practices, as it is in the place that adjustments are materialized to mitigate the conflicts that arise between groups, as well as where their interests are aligned. In this context, it starts from the premise that the State of Ceará over the course of 20 years has changed its energy matrix, moving from a situation of energy insecurity to a condition of an energy exporting State. In parallel, Denmark's energy transition was also investigated and how the relationships that occurred between the actors allowed the recognition of opportunities provided by partnerships and how concrete actions were promoted aimed at balancing different common interests. In this sense, the place has a concept to be investigated beyond the geographic and political, but also social, insofar as it can boost the necessary governance for the energy transition. It is argued that the approach to places is unexplored in organizational studies, especially considering case studies in countries with emerging economies. The theoretical approach of the thesis is supported by the themes: Energy Transition, Renewable Energy, Collaborative Governance and Place. As a method, a qualitative investigation was chosen and, regarding its objectives, it is exploratory and descriptive. The research uses inductive logic, and a systematic review is carried out in the first article and two case studies, in the following articles, to analyze the place as a catalytic element of the governance of the energy transition. In this context, the relevance of governance agreements signed between public bodies and stakeholders in the decision making process for collaboration regarding the management of public programs or assets is recognized. This research configuration is considered relevant to understand the convergence between intersectoral partnerships and transition trends as phenomena adopted by places in each stage elapsed in the energy transition. The thesis indicates that governance mechanisms and instruments must be adapted to the reality of the place, given the uarantees established by economic, social and political relations. It asserts that the transition of the energy matrix, more than influenced by the place, occurs within a process linked to governance and that it is guided by a dynamic that permeates through moments of attractiveness, alignment and engagement of the actors interested in the renewable energy sector. The thesis contributes to the managerial aspect by identifying which relationships that occur in the place are essential for defining public policies in the place and to overcome the barriers faced for the matrix's transition to the use of renewable energy. It contributes to the advancement of studies on the energy transition by recognizing the role of the place as capable of shaping the instruments of governance and the relationships that emerge towards the use of renewable energy.