The production of electrical energy is of fundamental importance for carrying out human and, mainly, industrial activities. Currently, the most used energy sources are those of fossil origin: mineral coal, oil and natural gas. The aggravating factor is that in addition to intensifying environmental problems, these energy sources will be exhausted from nature.
Aiming to minimize environmental disturbances, several countries have invested in alternative energies, such as solar, wind, wave energy and geothermal (the Earth's internal heat). These sources do not pollute nature and are renewable, that is, they will never run out.
Wind energy is considered the cleanest energy source on the planet, being obtained through the movement of air masses (wind) which is captured by propellers connected to generators. In Brazil, the state of Ceará stands out for being the largest national producer of this type of energy.
In Ceará, there was an investment of around 1.5 billion reais in the construction of 250 towers for the production of wind energy, which are distributed in 14 parks. Electricity production is 500 MW, enough to meet the needs of a city inhabited by 2.5 million people.
In August 2008, Petrobras inaugurated the Parajuru Wind Farm, comprising an area of 325 hectares and operating with 19 wind turbines. Subsequently, the state, due to its great potential for producing this type of energy, continued to invest in the construction of new parks.
The Bons Ventos Wind Farm, located on the coast, is primarily responsible for the production of wind energy in Ceará. For its structuring – installation of 75 wind turbines – an investment of 800 million of reals, and, in the coming years, other towers should be installed on the site, which has great potential energy.
In addition to wind energy, Ceará also develops projects for electricity production through the use of waves from the sea (wave energy) and the sun (solar energy). It is estimated that in 2011 the state will have the second largest solar energy plant in the world, occupying an area of 220 hectares, whose production will be enough to supply 5,000 homes.
By Wagner de Cerqueira and Francisco
Graduated in Geography
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/brasil/energia-eolica-no-ceara.htm
