In search of wind farm sustainability on the Yucatan coast: Deficiencies and public perception of Environmental Impact Assessment in Mexico. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zárate-Toledo, Ezequiel; Wood, Paul; Patiño, Rodrigo
• Is Part Of: Energy policy. Volume 158(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Environmental policies -- Wind farms -- Renewable energy -- Public participation -- Environmental impact assessment -- Environmental controversies; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Politique énergétique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112525
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4215

Abstract

Abstract: Through the analysis of the corresponding Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for five wind projects set up on the Yucatan coast, in Mexico, this work seeks to draw attention to the environmental controversies that these projects generate. To carry out our analysis, we resorted to three sources of information that are part of the EIA process: (i) the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), presented by private companies, for these wind farms; (ii) observations and criticisms of the EIS, presented by the civil society during the public process to which the EIS is submitted; and (iii) the rulings emitted by the federal environmental authorities. This documentation was complemented by participation in a number of forums and some interviews. Based on this analysis, we defined a series of deficiencies in the EIA process. Accordingly, we can affirm that in Mexico, as in other countries, there is no wind energy plan capable of reconciling energy objectives with nature conservation. Renewable energy projects in Mexico have been designed solely based on the distribution of wind or solar resources, completely ignoring environmental or social issues. In this regard, a sustainable energy transition requires strengthening the environmental management capabilities of governments, and the application of mechanisms that will allow the integration of environmental variables in the early stages of decision making, using instruments such as the Strategic Environmental Assessment. Highlights: Around 40 photovoltaic and wind farms have been proposed in Yucatan, Mexico. This region is recognized by its biodiversity richness and vulnerable ecosystems. However, 19 Environmental Impact Assessment processes have been already authorized. Environmental controversies are analyzed for 5 wind farms on the Yucatan coast. This analysis would help to reduce environmental impacts and social discontent.