Os impactos sociais e ambientais causados pela implantação do Complexo Eólico Acauã, nas comunidades da Serra de Santana-RN.

Abstract

Over the years, Brazil’s Northeast region has gradually gained prominence through the implementation of wind power complexes that stretch from the interior to the coastal areas of its states. Among these, Rio Grande do Norte stands out as the leading state in wind energy production. However, when analyzed on a micro scale, it becomes evident that alongside the installation of these wind turbines, numerous social and environmental impacts—mostly negative—have emerged, some of which may become irreversible in the long term. This study aims to present a brief history of how wind energy developed in Brazil, with an emphasis on the Northeast region and particularly on Rio Grande do Norte. It also seeks to analyze the impacts resulting from the installation of the Acauã Wind Complex, located in the Serra de Santana microregion and encompassing the rural communities of Sítio Barro Branco, Umarizeiro, Baixa do Sítio, and Sítio Acauã. The objective is to assess whether these impacts are predominantly positive or negative and to identify potential measures for future mitigation. The research involved a literature review, fieldwork, and interviews that provided valuable insights, contributing significantly to the well-being of the local residents as well as to their social and environmental development.