The Politics of the Low-emission Energy Transition (POLTRANS)
Research Theme Summary
The theme aims to build and strengthen existing relations between Chilean and Swedish universities. It focuses on studying how the historical relationship between these countries through mineral supply chains is evolving in the context of the energy transition and critical minerals, and how the institutional legacies of this historical relationship shape contemporary political actions. In particular, POLTRANS examines how the governance of critical minerals incorporates and addresses social justice.
PIs
Felipe Irarrazaval (PI), P. Universidad Católica
Henrik Erntson (PI), KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Participants
Adam Wickberg, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Alexander Paulsson, Lund University
Bárbara Paz Jerez Henríquez, Universidad de Concepción
Beatriz Bustos, Universidad de Chile
Cristóbal Briceño Urzúa, Universidad de Chile
Francesca Larosa, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Francesco Fuso Nerini, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Sara Persson, Södertörn University
Ivan Ojeda-Pereira, P. Universidad Católica
Martin Avila, Konstfack
Gianfranco Selgas, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Kay Bergamini Ladrón de Guevara, P. Universidad Católica
Gonzalo Francisco Palomo Vélez, Universidad de O’Higgins
Results
In addition to the conventional academic workshop format, the research group also exchanged knowledge and experiences with actors beyond social science. For example, visual artists working on lithium presented their insights at the workshop. Additionally, the group visited the KTH lab on electric batteries to learn about the science and engineering aspects of mineral supply chains and exchange visions regarding the future of the battery market.
The main conclusion of the group was that the historical ties and evolving collaboration between Chile and Sweden in mineral supply chains can serve as a model for effective bilateral cooperation, fostering mutual benefits in the global energy transition. As such, insights from the study could lead to the development of more robust governance frameworks for critical minerals, incorporating principles of social justice and sustainability, influenced by both Chilean and Swedish practices.