This study presents the case of Serra do Mel, an unjust energy transition model driven by the French multinational Voltalia S/A, which has negatively impacted the human rights of the local community, generating severe socio-environmental and contractual damages. Currently, thirty-six wind power plants are operating in Serra do Mel, totaling 360 wind turbines.
The report will outline the context of wind energy generation in Brazil, and within the State of Rio Grande do Norte and the municipality of Serra do Mel, as well as the adverse impacts that the installation of wind farms can cause to human rights in a setting where regulation is deficient and social participation and oversight are absent. An energy transition cannot take place at the expense of the human rights of the most vulnerable people.
While the adverse impacts are borne by the local population, Voltalia S/A takes advantage of renewable energy generation to capture tax benefits, carbon credits, and renewable energy certificates, thereby fueling an allegedly “green” market disconnected from responsible business conduct.
This study aims to draw attention to the case of Serra do Mel, while also raising awareness of unjust energy transition models that fail to consider the environmental, social, and economic impacts of renewable energy deployment.
