PUBLIC POLICIES AND SOLAR PLANTS: SOCIOECONOMIC INDICATORS AND POPULATION PERCEPTION IN MUNICIPALITIES OF MINAS GERAIS

Abstract

With the intensification of climate change, solar energy stands out as one of the fastest growing alternative energy sources in the world. In this article, the evolution of socioeconomic indicators related to the implementation of solar plants in 22 municipalities in Minas Gerais up to 2019 was researched. In addition, a field study was carried out in the city of Pirapora where, until the date of development of the research, the largest solar plant in Latin America was installed. In this municipality, qualitative interviews were conducted with relevant political and social actors, such as state deputy, federal deputy, councilor, local leaders, businessmen and civil society. We tried to show, through the analysis of the evolution of the indicators and field research, the limited potential for socioeconomic development provided by the mills in the municipalities where they were installed. Although there have been significant gains in the labor market of these municipalities in the short term, these were limited to the time of the installation of these plants, contrary to the idea that initiatives such as these have potential for local development. The research is believed to contribute to further studies on the development of local public policies, especially focused on the current challenges of climate change and local politics.