Wind energy in the isthmus of tehuantepec: Development, actors and social opposition

Abstract

There has been notable development of wind energy on the global level, and it already accounts for an important share of global electrical capacity in terms of renewable sources. The global wind energy industry is now turning its attention to developing countries with suitable locations to set up wind energy facilities. In Mexico, the southern region of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec has the greatest wind energy potential and is where the majority of wind energy projects are taking place. This work examines the development of wind energy in this region and the main actors involved and analyzes various aspects ranging from the right to information to the environmental implications of these practices, aiming to understand the growing social opposition to projects in this zone. The prevailing wind energy exploitation model in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec favors developers, limiting the benefits received by local communities and increasing social backlash against the projects.