The The hidden cost of renewable energy:

land rights and quilombola territories in North-Central Bahia

Abstract

This article analyzes the socio-environmental and legal impacts resulting from the installation of wind-solar enterprises on rural communities, especially quilombola groups, in the regions of João Dourado, Morro do Chapéu and surrounding areas, located in the north-central region and Chapada Diamantina, Bahia. Although wind energy is considered a clean and sustainable source, the study reveals that its expansion in Northeastern Brazil has caused human rights violations, land conflicts, and socio-environmental damage. Developed through a participatory social diagnosis, the research included interviews, document analysis, and field observation, identifying irregularities in land lease contracts, lack of prior consultation with communities, non-compliance with environmental regulations, and negligence by public authorities. Documented cases include forced evictions, environmental degradation, loss of territories, and the invisibility of traditional populations, which characterize forms of environmental racism. The diagnosis proposes comprehensive reparation measures, based on constitutional principles, ILO Convention 169, and by analogy with the National Policy on the Rights of Populations Affected by Dams (Law 14.755/2023). Suggested actions include review of environmental licenses, land regularization of quilombola territories, participatory mapping, legal education activities, and strengthening informed community participation in territorial decision-making. The study concludes that Brazil’s energy transition must be rethought from a socio-environmental justice perspective, ensuring respect for the territorial and cultural rights of traditional communities and promoting a truly just and democratic energy transition.