Da nata do lixo ao luxo da aldeia: transição energética justa para quem? Uma análise dos empreendimentos de hidrogênio verde no estado do Ceará sob a perspectiva do colonialismo energético

Abstract

The exacerbation of climate change and the global rise in temperature require a transition to a low-carbon energy matrix that relies on renewable energies. Brazil is characterized by a high share of renewable energy and is developing new energy generation projects. In Ceará, such projects have been implemented, promising economic development for the region. However, these projects have caused controversy due to the appropriation of territories and the exploitation of resources with limited participation of the population. Green hydrogen (H2V) has emerged as a renewable fuel alternative that has the potential to reduce emissions in “hard-to-abate” sectors. This study examines whether the green hydrogen projects in Ceará replicate the exploitation model of previous wind energy projects from the perspective of energy colonialism. The qualitative, descriptive and exploratory research included a bibliographic, documentary and legislative analysis, using Sánchez Contreras’ six dimensions of energy colonialism as a framework. The results show that these projects tend to reproduce social inequality and exacerbate exclusion through wind energy projects. The production of green hydrogen is export-oriented, and the social and environmental impacts are unevenly distributed, reflecting the lack of public policies to promote a just energy transition in Ceará.