Percepção de mudanças socioambientais e estratégias adaptativas diante de empreendimentos de energia eólica: estudo de caso em São José do Sabugi, Paraíba, Brasil.

Abstract

The Brazilian energy matrix, for electricity generation, is largely based on hydroelectric energy generation. However, Brazil has recently experienced significant growth in power generation from alternative sources, especially wind energy. The objective of this study was to understand the perception of residents of three rural communities located in the region of Seridó, State of Paraíba, about the socio-environmental impacts caused by the installation of a wind farm in the locality. To achieve this goal, we use semi-structured interviews and participatory workshops to get to know the residents' perceptions and representations. Additionally, we use geoprocessing tools to compare with the information obtained in the interviews. The results showed that the risk factor considered most relevant by the community was the generation of dust during the construction phase of the wind farm. On the other hand, the improvement in the access infrastructure to communities generated by the widening of the roads for the passage of the parts that form the wind turbines was one of the changes perceived as beneficial to the community. In general, the residents' perception of the wind farm is positive, however it is a recent venture where its possible long-term effects are not yet well known. The information obtained through the representation of local residents is a significant source of knowledge for the scientific community, public authorities and private initiative. We recommend further studies in the same area to generate robust scientific evidence on the extent of the positive and negative impacts of this type of enterprise.