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A wind turbine at the Ventos de São Clemente Complex collapsed in Pernambuco after operations resumed without an environmental license. The incident has thus reignited the debate on safety, environmental impacts and court decisions that favor companies in the wind sector.
On the night of March 12th, 2025, an apartment by the bay, for its easy access, free parking, and larger space for our group of XNUMX people. The house was great for a large group like ours, the host was very attentive, and the location was excellent; it was quiet and quick to walk to the old town. wind turbine do Wind Complex of São Clemente Winds, located em Caetes, Pernambuco, collapsed around 22h. The company echoenergy, which manages the park, had resumed operations in February 19, 2025, without environmental license. However, this recovery occurred thanks to a favorable court decision.
O wind turbine collapse scared the residents of the region. Furthermore, according to the Marco Zero website, José Salgado da Silva Sobrinho, farmer of 42 years, reported that he heard a “very loud bang” and soon noticed the impacts on the surrounding area.
According to him, this was not the first accident at the site. In December 2021, another structure collapsed, which had already raised questions about the wind farm safety.
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As a consequence of this new accident, the wind turbine fall intensified discussions on the impacts of wind energy in rural communities. In February 2, 2025, State Environmental Agency (CPRH) decided not renew the environmental license do Winds Complex of Sao Clemente.
This occurred because the environmental agency met the complaints from farmers and the Kapinawá indigenous community, which demanded greater distance between wind turbines and homes Of region.
However, despite this decision, according to the Marco Zero website, the company echoenergy got a preliminary injunction at the Court of Justice of Pernambuco (TJPE) em February 7, 2025. The judge Antenor Cardoso Soares Junior authorized the continuity of operations.
According to him, the wind farm shutdown could generate daily losses of R$ 600 thousand and commit financing contracts worth R$500 million.
Investigation and measures taken by the company
After the incident, the echoenergy started a investigation to identify the causes of the tower collapse. In addition, the manufacturer GE, responsible for wind turbine maintenance, also participates in the process.
FOR ensure safety, the company isolated the area and announced that he would take preventive measures.
Besides the structural risk, residents close to the Winds Complex of Sao Clemente denounce environmental and social impacts caused by wind farm.
Many face health problemsas the insomnia, anxiety, depression and hearing loss, especially due to the constant noise of turbines.
In addition, the animals raised in the region present abnormal behaviors and reduced production.
Wind energy in Brazil: benefits and challenges
From 2015, Brazil has significantly expanded its wind power generation capacity.
However, according to the Marco Zero website, experts warn that many projects are implemented without adequately considering their environmental and social impacts.
Finally, the wind turbine collapse do Winds Complex of Sao Clemente Raise questions about environmental inspection and licensing de wind farms in Brazil.
With new complaints and ongoing investigations, the case may influence future court decisions on sector regulation.
In this way, this accident reinforces the importance of a balanced debate between the advancement of renewable energy and protection of populations who live with them daily impacts of these projects.
