Políticas de transição energética justa em nível subnacional: uma análise crítico-propositiva a partir do plano de transição energética justa do estado do Ceará

Abstract

The government of the state of Ceará has been investing in low-carbon energy generation systems, aligning with the global trend of decarbonization and positioning itself as a key player in both national and international energy transition. In May 2022, the Ceará State Plan for a Just Energy Transition (PETEJ) was established through Decree No. 34.733/2022. The concept of a just transition is tied to social justice principles, aiming to ensure that the shift to low or zero-carbon energy systems synergizes with the improvement of social indicators and social justice measures. In this context, the main objective of this research is to conduct a comparative analysis of Ceará's PETEJ, highlighting the consistencies and inconsistencies of this tool in relation to the imperatives of energy justice. To achieve this, a literature review on energy justice, climate justice, and just transition was conducted. An assessment of the key elements for a just transition in the Global South was made, considering the dimensions of energy justice, as well as a survey of state-level plans for a just energy transition in Brazil. Following this, the PETEJ of Ceará and Santa Catarina were analyzed based on the collected data, noting their consistencies and/or inconsistencies. Finally, recommendations and implementation strategies are presented to make Ceará's PETEJ more aligned with the principles of a just energy transition. The analysis of the plans revealed commitments to sustainability, but gaps in social and energy justice. In Ceará, there is a notable favoring of large corporations, while in Santa Catarina, the focus on the coal industry could perpetuate inequalities. Both plans align with climate goals, but they highlight the need for more inclusive and holistic strategies for a genuinely just energy transition. The proposed recommendations aim to guide policies, encouraging the inclusion of mechanisms aligned with the dimensions of distributive, procedural, recognition, restorative, and cosmopolitan justice. This work illustrates the complexity of implementing sustainable and equitable energy transition policies, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative and multifaceted approach. The research is based on bibliographic and documentary sources, including national and international scientific literature, laws, decrees, and other norms that establish public policy instruments for energy transition.