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Socio-environmental Impacts of Wind Projects and the Importance of Sustainability for Sustainable Development

Written by Corporate
Published 25/10/2024 às 10:21
responsible environmental practices, sustainable development, energy transition, sustainable energy
Socio-environmental impacts of wind projects and the importance of the Sustainable Development Momentum Index'. – PHOTO: ©2024|BRAZIL WINDPOWER Company/b>

Brazil Windpower highlighted Sustainability and launched the Sustainable Development Boost Index, focusing on social and environmental impacts.

The closure of Brazil Windpower fully highlighted the importance of Sustainability in all its aspects. On the last day of the event, the program was entirely focused on the debate on social and environmental impacts caused by wind energy projects. The event celebrated Sustainability by promoting a space where participants could share ideas and solutions that aim to improve the relationship between technology and environment.

During that day, the new Sustainable Development Boost Index was announced, which aims to measure advances in sustainable practices. environmentally responsible. The initiative seeks to assess how activities related to wind energy can contribute to a greener future. Emphasis was placed on the energy transition needed to ensure a cleaner and more efficient energy supply, reinforcing the role of Sustainability in transforming the global energy matrix.

Immersion in Sustainability and Responsible Environmental Practices

Participants delved deeply into methods for conducting high-impact social and environmental projects, with a focus on achieving acceptance and support of the communities. Right at the opening, one of the main highlights was led by ABBEólica, which, in partnership with We Sustentabilidade, launched the pioneering Sustainable Development Boost Index. This innovative study seeks to identify the priority areas of socio-environmental investment of ABBEólica members. This initiative not only promotes Sustainability as the basis for balanced development, but also incorporates responsible environmental practices into the core of wind farm operations.

Impact Mapping and Socio-Environmental Monitoring

The study involves analyzing projects in 27 municipalities in the states of Bahia, Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte, areas with the largest concentration of wind farms in Brazil. 'Our intention is to map the socio-environmental data available in these locations since the implementation of the parks, combining this data with the effective implementation of long-term public policies', explained Débora Horn, executive director of We Sustentabilidade. By establishing close monitoring, we seek to provide clarity on the limits of the given impulse by the projects through two groups of indicators: economic and socio-environmental. In the first, the influence of wind farms on the local economy will be assessed, including detailed analyses of GDP, percentage of ISS, ISP with a focus on the community, and local suppliers. Sustainability is essential for the analysis of this block.

Building a Sustainable Legacy

At the same time, the second block will focus on the contribution of companies to improving living conditions in the territories, mapping the percentage of the population benefiting from socio-environmental projects, as well as investments in human development, covering income, education, health, and also infrastructure and the environment. Débora emphasizes that this systematic monitoring will allow lessons learned to be consolidated and references to good practices to be created, promoting predictability and adequate risk management for entrepreneurs and investors. With a focus on mitigating operational, financial and reputational impacts, Sustainability is seen as an essential element for any future initiative.

Dialogue and Cooperation for Sustainable Development

In parallel with this ongoing effort, it is up to the wind sector to continue improving its relationship models and practices and socio-environmental strategies in the areas of operation, aiming to building a legacy lasting and prosperous. For Elbia Gannoum, executive president of ABEEólica, one of the challenges is to promote actions that foster transparent dialogue and cooperation between different local agents. Identifying demands that are in tune with the vocation and culture of each territory is essential for sustainability, enhancing the execution of structured and long-term programs.

Challenges of Energy Transition and Sustainable Energy

Elbia emphasizes the importance of understanding the social and environmental effects around wind farms, an area of ​​interest since he joined the association. 'It has become a vital cause for us! Since visiting the first wind farm, I have realized all the benefits that the sector can generate. We need to highlight the positive impact we have on communities,' he said. Despite some social criticisms emerging, especially in the last four years, the sector recognizes the need for improvements and proactively seeks solutions to the issues raised. This search is crucial to leverage a fair energy transition and sustainable energy.

Impacts Caused by Climate Change: A Focused Look

During the panel 'Just Energy Transition – Economic and Social Integration', Sofia Maia, from BloombergNEF, discussed that the transition must be equitable, highlighting that the concept of justice can vary depending on perspectives. This discussion aligns with the view of Guilherme Arantes, from BNDES, who mentioned the need to minimize the negative impacts suffered by communities, which experience the impacts caused by climate change more directly. Arantes argues that both companies and financiers need to mature together, catalyzing positive impacts and mobilizing sectors for more sustainable actions.

Sustainability in the Northeast: A Local Advantage

José Aldemir, from BNB, emphasizes the crucial role of the Northeast in the context of Brazil's energy transition. Taking advantage of local advantages is fundamental for territorial and infrastructure development. Enriching this approach, certification by independent labels is seen as an important step for projects, guaranteed by annual assessments. The incentive offered, in the form of bonuses and reduced interest for parks that demonstrate certifications, reinforces the event commitment with sustainable development. The goal is to transform the lives of local communities through strategic partnerships, supporting responsible environmental practices.

Marine Spatial Planning and Offshore Sustainability

Eduardo Wagner, from Ibama, reinforced the importance of careful planning for offshore wind licensing, highlighting past mistakes in European countries. Marine Spatial Planning, a vital tool for identifying impacts before the licensing process, is now a necessary practice. Roberta Cox, from GWEC, recalled that Brazil, with its experience in oil and gas licensing, can apply this knowledge to mitigate offshore wind impacts. According to Marinez Scherer, from the Ministry of the Environment, the sustainability of this energy in the offshore wind sector shows promise, especially in tropical seas.

Next Edition and the Commitment to Sustainability

Informa Markets’ announcement of the next edition of Brazil Windpower, to be held from October 28 to 30, 2025 at São Paulo Expo, reaffirms the industry’s commitment to sustainability. The event highlights the strength of the wind sector in Brazil, currently ranked sixth in the global wind energy production ranking. The reaffirmation of the commitment involves encouraging responsible environmental practices and enhancing the energy transition in favor of truly sustainable energy. Building a legacy aligned with socially and environmentally conscious practices continues to be essential.

Source: BRAZIL WINDPOWER Company

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