The Role of Public Policies in the Diffusion of Bioenergy in Argentina (2004-2019)

Abstract

The article assesses the role of the State in the process of selection, adaptation and adoption of technologies that are applied to the generation of electric power and thermal energy from biomass in Argentina. After systematizing and analyzing secondary sources from public and private organizations, the document explores the interaction between 30 firms that own bioenergy plants and the public policies during the years 2004-2019. The paper reveals the diffusion of these technologies was incentivized by energy market conditions and environmental policies. However, the lack of articulation of the State when it comes to energy, environmental and technological issues promoted corporate strategies which were reactive to the environment and fragmented in time. This policy design constrained the dissemination of systems for an integral valorization of biomass. Bioenergy is an emergent industry in the country, thus the State’s participation is key for its growth to promote not only energy transition, but the development of new technologies and markets as well.

Keywords: public policies; biomass energy; diffusion of technology