Social, Environmental and Economic Externalities Related to the Implementation of Wind Energy Projects on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the economic, social, and environmental impacts caused by the development of wind projects in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, in the Southwest of Mexico and, simultaneously, to evaluate, in a synergistic way, wind energy as an effectively viable option for the Mexican energy matrix by mapping and analyzing socio-environmental and economic externalities. The development of these parks represents, in this region of the country, a successful model for reducing GHG emissions, but there are controversies such as land displacement and lack of local development, which have generated socio-environmental conflicts that remain in force today. Therefore, the methodology adopted was based on a systematic literature review, as well as on the application of semi-structured interviews conducted in field research in situ. Because of this study, it was possible to increase the compression about the following paradox: the wind farms implemented in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec contribute to mitigating GHG emissions; however, according to the results of this work, this environmental benefit did not bring any improvement in their socioeconomic vulnerabilities to local communities.