Novas Fronteiras de Acumulação: a expansão da energia eólica e a violação de direitos das comunidades tradicionais no território de identidade do Piemonte da Diamantina (BA)

Abstract

This research addresses the phenomenon of new frontiers of capital accumulation in Brazil through the process of dispossession and violation of the rights of traditional communities in the Piemonte da Diamantina Identity Territory, in Bahia, with the expansion of wind energy projects, with the approval of public authorities. The general objective of the investigation is to answer the following central question: how has the expansion of wind energy contributed to the process of accumulation by dispossession and green grabbing in the traditional communities of the Piemonte da Diamantina Territory, and what impacts and violations have been caused to their way of life and the environment? To this end, the methodology adopted falls within the field of qualitative research, adopting an instrumental case study approach and hypothetical-deductive technique, based on the analysis of books, scientific articles, academic dissertations, civil inquiries, national and international regulations, documents, dossiers, Environmental Impact Studies and Reports, and public news. The theoretical framework used was the theoretical category of accumulation by dispossession and the concept of green grabbing. The results point to the confirmation of the thesis that the expansion of wind power projects in Bahia has been used as an asset in the capital market for the benefit of large companies, with government approval, to foster the emergence of a new frontier of capitalist accumulation through irregular and fragmented licensing, the omission of Prior, Free and Informed Consultation with affected populations, and the enactment of illegal regulations. The research concludes that the energy transition is a reality, but that the debate on the production and distribution of wind energy needs to be conducted ethically and transparently, considering the benefits and drawbacks that will affect populations, especially those historically vulnerable, such as quilombola communities.