Uso do território na Microrregião da Serra de Santana a partir da instalação de parques eólicos

Abstract

The work presented aims to analyze the use of the territory of the Serra de Santana from the deployment of wind farms. From this perspective, it attempted to describe the historical context in which this micro-region emerged as wind energy production area, considering aspects of international, national and state level; identify the discourse created by the institutions and the local society about the wind; relate the elements of space (ecological environment, men, firms and institutions) to the wind energy production in micro-regional level; evaluate the changes that activity in urban areas, considering aspects related to trade and services, and in rural areas, with regard to land ownership and land rent. Among the theoretical contributions of the research there are the approaches of Milton Santos about space and their respective elements and territory used. The methodological procedures used were bibliographical and historical research; documentary research; observation in locus and interviews. The results indicate that, from 2010, with the adoption of national investments in alternative sources of energy policy, a new use logic of the territory was included in the micro-region from the installation of wind farms. The definition of this area as wind power producer is associated with their ecological environment, especially the high altitutes that can reach up to 750 meters, which associated with the constant winds make Santana saw one of the points of Rio Grande do Norte with the greatest potential for installation of wind farms. With regard to the changes promoted by this activity in urban areas, it is emphasized that there was no expected dynamism, despite some growth in the number of shops and services. With regard to rural areas, it was not evidenced significant changes in land ownership, predominantly small properties, but the activity generated changes in land rent, which is effective for the lease for the purpose of studies and wind farm facilities. It was found also changes in labor relations, since, after the construction of wind farms, the large landowners have chosen to close partnerships with small farmers, which undermines the agricultural production historically held. In this sense, the installation of wind farms in the micro-region of Santana de Serra has generated contradictions, so that only a minority of people benefits from the activity.