Winds of Justice? Challenging and Promoting Women’s Social Inclusion in Northern Brazil Through Wind Energy Projects

The northeast region of Brazil has emerged as a leader in solar energy development in the country. The region has favorable climatic conditions for solar power generation, making it an ideal location for solar projects. The expansion of solar energy in the northeast has the potential to generate profits and create jobs in a region with a historically low per capita income. However, there is a need for a fair and inclusive energy transition in the Northeast. In this chapter, we analyze the impact on women as a consequence of the implementation of wind farms in the Brazilian semi-arid region, the state of Piauí. Our study was based on interviews with women cassava producers from the Association of Small Rural Producers of Serra do Inácio. These interviews were analyzed using the T-LAB software to understand the co-occurrence of themes and how the wind farms impacted their lives. The findings revealed that women in the association experienced increased income from the sale of cassava products. Despite these benefits, communities face significant challenges. Noise pollution from wind farms has been a persistent issue, particularly during certain seasons. This has caused discomfort and health concerns among the residents, highlighting the need for better mitigation measures. The experiences of these women provide valuable insights into the dual-edge nature of renewable energy projects. This study emphasizes the importance of holistic planning and community engagement in the pursuit of energy transitions. It also reveals the intersection of energy justice and gender, suggesting that ensuring that renewable energy initiatives address gender-specific needs and challenges is critical for achieving true energy justice and promoting equitable development.