Abstract

Energy transition is not only about the technology change from fossil fuels to renewables. It also has to deal with the social, economic, and environmental aspects of the development of clean energies. This challenge represents a huge shift in the traditional way of exploiting energy sources. The principle of sustainable development constitutes a cornerstone of the current transition in order to move forward to a sustainable energy. This chapter examines the development of the geothermal energy in Latin America focused on the case studies of Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Mexico. This review is focused on how the development of geothermal energy is considered the precautionary approach to natural resources, particularly, through the environmental impact assessment of the projects and the public participation process of local communities and indigenous peoples.