Paper short abstract:

The paper seeks to explore future imaginations among scientist and local communities, concerning geothermal energy potential in the Andes mountains. Our ethnographic approach proposes to analyse how future imaginations are constantly redefined through practical engagement with earth.

Paper long abstract:

Chile represents one of the largest undeveloped geothermal areas in the world, and geothermal energy projects are understood as a clean and sustainable future energy source, in contrast with many other energy sources, such as hydroelectricity and imported fossil fuels. Nevertheless, social and political dimensions of energy are being recognised as a central challenge, involving multiple and divergent perceptions of energy and practical engagement. The paper seeks to explore affective encounters and future imaginations among scientist and indigenous in rural communities, concerning geothermal energy potential in the Andes mountains. Our ethnographic approach proposes to analyse how future imaginations are constantly redefined through practical engagement with earth. However, earth forces provoke us to think how future imaginations are at the same time exceeded for more-than-human worlds.