Power Distributions in Renewable Energy Transition: A Case Study on the Lithium Mining Projects in Portugal

Abstract

This master's thesis focuses on power distributions over the lithium mining projects in Portugal and how these power distributions resulted in a backlash from the local populations. Lithium is one of the minerals required for a successful renewable energy transition, and the EU is leading the world as the pioneer for such a major change. Portugal has raw mineral reserves that the EU is interested in using to accelerate a green energy transition. While Portugal sees this as an opportunity to accelerate its renewable energy transition, the local populations that reside in the areas to be mined are against the lithium mining projects. The research aims to understand whether the lithium mining case in Portugal reflects power distributions in its governance of renewable energy transition, as well as uncovering where power distributions are located, how they are structured and maintained, and whether anything is being done to combat these distributions. Research also aims to understand if the Portuguese government's decisions, on behalf of its energy transition, affect the local populations residing in the areas meant for mining. The case study includes the identification and categorisation of the featured actors during the analysis of the data. The roles and interests of the actors are revealed as they provide context for the distribution of power. This study's theoretical framework was formulated using Historical Institutionalism (HI) theory mixed with Multi-Level Perspective. This combination serves to identify and categorise actors and themes. HI allows for utilising concepts identified in the study, such as incumbent actors. This thesis is a qualitative data case study, and the secondary data generated comes from document collection. The data was then analysed inductively using a thematic content analysis (TCA) technique. This master's thesis contributes to Historical Institutionalism literature, particularly on the topic of power distributions. It also offers depth to the analysis of the Portuguese institutional and governance system. Ultimately, it reveals the darker side of renewable transitions. The study concludes that power distributions in Portuguese renewable energy transitions benefit regime actors, whose niche actors are marginalised. Despite the fall of the PS government, the lithium mining projects remain invulnerable to change, reflecting regime stability through power structures. Inclusive decision-making must be advocated for. Activists, NGOs, environmental organisations, local municipalities, and the population's interests should be considered by the central government's decision-making, which shows evidence of clear distribution of power in Portugal. Specifically, institutions like the government, whose interests differ from those opposed to mining. There also needs to be distribution of power between local governments and the national government.