Impactos socioambientais nas aplicações de energia eólica para geração de eletricidade

Abstract

This paper was developed with the purpose of studying aspects associated to the socio-environmental impacts caused by wind power stations. Although we currently find ourselves with the challenge of producing more and more clean and inexhaustible energy, with the wind being an inexhaustible source, its use produces socio-environmental impacts which must be recognized and monitored, despite electricity generation by wind causing relatively little socio-environmental impacts when compared to those caused by other energy sources. Stimulated by the lack of consensus from society on the degree of compatibility between the installation of wind power stations and the practices of sustainable development, and based on an approach which explains sustainable development as well as socio-economic issues, we questioned if the natural recuperation of the ecosystems and the changes in the life of the local community in which the wind power system is installed may be intensely affected. Thus, supported by bibliographical research, this paper approaches four socio-environmental impacts which have been highlighted as conflicting aspects in the management of wind power systems, that is, the use of land, the change of the scenery, bird and bat mortality and the noise caused by the windmills. We also suggested actions which may prevent negative repercussions for the sustainable development derived from each socio-environmental impact studied.