Energia eólica e desenvolvimento no terceiro milênio: reflexões a partir do Brasil, Nordeste e Rio Grande do Norte

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the wind sector in Rio Grande do Norte state highlighting the main challenges to its development. The central research question is to know what is the place in the Northeast and Rio Grande do Norte on the map of 'expansion and diversification' of the Brazilian electric sector and what are its main challenges and opportunities. The research hypothesis is that wind power is one of the Northeast's development vectors. However, despite the recent expansion of this sector, it is believed that the folding of this activity on regional development can be extended from the internalization as much as possible, the wind energy supply chain also in the region. This assumes incentive policies to confront the production bottlenecks, logistics, CT&I and professional qualification. However, such policies still are insufficient in the region, especially in Rio Grande do Norte. The applied methodology includes a secondary and field research. The literature review explores the construction of the Brazilian Electric Sector (SEB), emphasizing the state's role in the planning and construction sector, the circumstances that resulted in the privatization of the public companies in the electricity sector in the 1990s and their resumption in the planning of SEB by promoting the diversification of the system and the inclusion of new renewable energy sources, especially wind power. The literature review also located wind power in the world, Brazil and Northeast, highlighting its potential in relation to other sources, as well as its importance for sustainable development. They are still organized and analyzed data on the origin, profile, economic and technological aspects of the wind sector in Rio Grande do Norte, as well as the territories that are home to wind farms. The study also contains a field survey of important actors involved in the activity in the state. The results confirm the hypothesis and show that wind energy is one of the development vectors for the Rio Grande do Norte, the state has received large investments in the implementation of wind farms and is featured in energy production. However, this success in production is not reflected in attracting manufacturers of the production chain. Logistical and infrastructural problems, among others, are also performed by actors interviewed. All these aspects, although involving an uncertain scenario regarding the repercussions of this activity in local / regional development, also constitute opportunities actions and policies.