Winds of Change: Social Inequalities and Economic Consequences of Wind Energy in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec | Chapter 9 | Science and Technology: Developments and Applications Vol. 9

This study examines the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of wind energy development in the Istmo of Tehuantepec, Mexico, focusing on the municipalities of La Venta (Juchitán) and Santo Domingo Ingenio. Through a comparative analysis of census data from 2,251 households, we assess disparities in employment, land ownership, and economic benefits derived from wind farms. Key findings reveal that: (1) Santo Domingo Ingenio exhibits higher wind turbine density (1–3 turbines per household) and male-dominated employment compared to La Venta; (2) only 11.69% of La Venta’s Gross Local Product (GLP) stems from wind farms, with businesses (38.59%) and services (27.16%) dominating the local economy; and (3) land lease conflicts and marginalization persist, exacerbated by opaque negotiations and unequal benefit distribution. The study highlights how neoliberal policies and transnational investments perpetuate social inequalities, despite wind energy’s potential for regional development. We argue that equitable frameworks—centered on community participation, transparent land agreements, and local manufacturing—are critical to reconciling renewable energy goals with social justice in marginalized regions.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Amira María García-Martínez
Calzada Porfirio Díaz # 803 c.p. 68050, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Secretaría de Educación Pública, Mexico.

 

Silvia Olivia Ramírez-Martínez
Avenida Ing. Víctor Bravo Ahuja No. 125 Esquina Calzada Tecnológico, C.P. 68030, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Tecnológico Nacional de México / Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca, Mexico.

 

Esteban López-Vázquez
Avenida Ing. Víctor Bravo Ahuja No. 125 Esquina Calzada Tecnológico, C.P. 68030, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Tecnológico Nacional de México / Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca, Mexico.

 

Guillermo Quero-Ramírez
Avenida Ing. Víctor Bravo Ahuja No. 125 Esquina Calzada Tecnológico, C.P. 68030, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Tecnológico Nacional de México / Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca, Mexico.

 

Cristóbal Ramírez-Salinas
Avenida Ing. Víctor Bravo Ahuja No. 125 Esquina Calzada Tecnológico, C.P. 68030, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Tecnológico Nacional de México / Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca, Mexico.

 

Jesús Elías Narváez-Pascual
Avenida Ing. Víctor Bravo Ahuja No. 125 Esquina Calzada Tecnológico, C.P. 68030, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Tecnológico Nacional de México / Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca, Mexico.

 

Edgar Alberto Cortés-Jiménez
Avenida Ing. Víctor Bravo Ahuja No. 125 Esquina Calzada Tecnológico, C.P. 68030, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Tecnológico Nacional de México / Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca, Mexico.

 

Brenda García-Jarquín
Avenida Ing. Víctor Bravo Ahuja No. 125 Esquina Calzada Tecnológico, C.P. 68030, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Tecnológico Nacional de México / Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca, Mexico.

 

Marbella Sánchez -Soriano
Abasolo S/N, Barrio del Agua Buena, 68230 Oaxaca, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico del Valle de Etla, Mexico.

 

Fernando Adrihel Sarubbi -Baltazar
Abasolo S/N, Barrio del Agua Buena, 68230 Oaxaca, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico del Valle de Etla, Mexico.

 

Vicelia Girón-Laces
Avenida Ing. Víctor Bravo Ahuja No. 125 Esquina Calzada Tecnológico, C.P. 68030, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Tecnológico Nacional de México / Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca, Mexico.

 

 

Aurelio Jimenez-Hernandez
Abasolo S/N, Barrio del Agua Buena, 68230 Oaxaca, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico del Valle de Etla, Mexico.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/stda/v9/5227