Guidelines for the negotiation of benefits distribution of harnessing shared energy resources according to the experiences of negotiators and the approach of regional specialists. Case study of Itaipu binational hydropower plant.

Abstract

In South America, in the 1970s, bilateral treaties were signed for the use of the shared hydroelectric potential. These treaties were results of international negotiations among countries of the La Plata Basin, which took place in the midst of various complexities. The systematization of these negotiation experiences could support the advancement of electricity integration, given that there is still a high regional hydroelectric potential to be exploited. The main objective of this work is to systematize the lessons learned in the negotiation processes in which Paraguay participated, in order to provide elements for future decision-making. Methods were applied to systematize these lessons learned. The results of the analysis provide valuable information for strategic decision-making, implementation, monitoring and communication to stakeholders, regarding what to negotiate (considering the revision of Annex C of one the hugest hydropower plant of the world: ITAIPU scheduled for 2023) and how to organize internally to carry out the negotiations. The conclusions of this study are also valid for other region's watershed and also could be applied for the use of shared natural resources in other regions of the world.

Keywords:

Energy Integration, Negotiations, Learning History, Itaipu.