Paper short abstract:

Based on geographical methodology this communication will question (1) South American lithium production networks and (2) the evolutions of energy transition politics focusing either on local and autonomous energy supply or reinforcing path-dependency to the constituted energy system

Paper long abstract:

Enacted mostly in the Global North by moving from carbon-based energy techniques to a lower carbon dioxide system, energy transition affects extractive regions, mostly in the Global South, where natural resources exploitation constitute a main economic activity of mountain territories. Indeed, energy transition is greedy in raw materials. Lithium is one of the components of acclaimed lithium-ion batteries for autonomous energy systems storage devices and electric mobility. Spatially concentrated in the "lithium triangle"shared by Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, its extraction induces spatial restructuring of energy territories. Lithium mining operation requires large amount of energy, generally supplied by oil or gas tank trucks (virtual pipelines), that are economically and environmentally expensive. That leads mining companies to invest in the development of their own solar power stations and energy networks. It then favours investments in large solar farms, feeding the national electric networks, traditional energy networks and infrastructures (high voltage lines, pipelines development and the exploitation or exploration of unconventional deposits (shale /tight gas/oil). From another perspective, lithium storage services coupled with local solar energy also leads to including unconnected populations (especially in the high Andean plateau where lithium is extracted). This communication relies on three fieldwork investigations including first hand observations and qualitative interviews. Based on geographical methodology it will then question:(1) South American lithium production networks focusing on its production sites and the stakeholders (2) Evolutions of energy transition politics focusing either on local and autonomous energy supply or reinforcing path-dependency to the constituted energy system