Just energy transition and territorial protection

scenarios of setback distances between wind turbines and rural communities in Serra do Mel (RN)

Abstract

The rapid expansion of wind farms in Brazil, especially in the Northeast, has intensified debates about their socio-environmental impacts and the absence of national legislation establishing minimum setback distances between wind turbines and residential areas. In the municipality of Serra do Mel (RN), which has one of the highest turbine densities in the state, conflicts between rural communities and companies highlight the need for territorial analyses to support more balanced regulatory decisions. In this context, the objective was to assess the proximity between wind turbines and rural villages in Serra do Mel, as well as to estimate the energy impacts of adopting different minimum setback distances. The 336 wind turbines and 23 villages in the municipality were analyzed using geospatial data and satellite imagery, and three scenarios were simulated based on national technical parameters and international references (400 m, 1,000 m, and 2,000 m). The results indicate that Vila Ceará has wind turbines located less than 400 m from residences, representing the most critical situation of socio-spatial vulnerability. Considering the hypothetical decommissioning of turbines near residential areas, simulations indicate energy losses of 1.79%, 14.07%, and 59.28% for the 400 m, 1,000 m, and 2,000 m scenarios, respectively. These results suggest that more protective setback limits are technically feasible without significantly compromising local energy generation. It is concluded that Serra do Mel has territorial capacity to improve its spatial planning, balancing wind energy expansion, reduction of socio-environmental conflicts, and protection of rural communities in the context of a just energy transition.