ANALYSIS OF WIND ENERGY COMPETITIVENESS FACTORS: A CASE STUDY IN THE ALTO SERTÃO WIND COMPLEX IN BAHIA.
Wind Energy. Competitiveness. Renewable Energy. Bibliometric Analysis.
The increasing demand for electricity in Brazil has significant economic implications for the energy market. In this context, it is important to investigate alternative sources that can meet this demand, as well as understand the key factors that influence this process. In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in studies on new forms of energy generation using clean and renewable sources, due to growing concerns about the relationship between fossil fuel energy production and climate change. Wind energy is considered one of the most promising sources, due to its exponential growth, cost-effectiveness, and continuous supply assurance. However, given the consolidation of fossil fuel sources in economic and technical terms, it is necessary to understand the factors of competitiveness that can be considered as potentials or constraints for the full development of wind energy. Thus, the overall objective of this research was to analyze the competitiveness factors of wind energy, using the Alto Sertão wind complex located in the state of Bahia as a case study. To achieve this objective, the following specific objectives were established: to understand the factors that influence the competitiveness of renewable energies, particularly wind energy, in the Northeast region of Brazil, with a focus on the state of Bahia; and to use a methodological approach that integrates secondary data and interviews to analyze the identified competitiveness factors. The methodology used in this research was based on an exploratory documentary approach, which sought regulated information from government agencies. To understand the factors that influence the competitiveness of wind energy in the Northeast region, particularly in the state of Bahia, a research approach was adopted that took into account the nature of the problem, the objectives, and the technical procedures adopted. The research predominantly used secondary data sources, combined with conducting interviews. The results obtained in this research, based on the joint analysis of the factors and focal points of competitiveness of wind energy using the Study of Competitiveness of the Brazilian Industry - ECIB model, indicate three factors that confer competitiveness to the sector. Unlike other states in the Northeast, which have a higher occurrence of winds along the coast, Bahia has its greatest wind potential concentrated in the interior, east of the São Francisco River, from the Espinhaço Range to Juazeiro. This is due to low cloudiness and the process of high atmospheric pressure moving towards the Northeast, resulting in excellent quality winds for wind energy generation, which makes the region competitive.