Contesting energy transitions: wind power and conflicts in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec

Abstract

This article studies the expansion of large-scale wind energy projects on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (Mexico) and local socio-environmental conflicts that have emerged in response. It explores how the neoliberal agenda in Mexico is shaping a specific way of implementing wind energy projects, and how this is leading to local resistance and the production of alternatives. The article is based on a historical analysis reconstructing the main features of wind power development, and pathways of struggle. By following a political ecology perspective, wind energy is seen as embedded in a wider frame of power relations and the uneven patterns of the Mexican economy. The struggles of indigenous groups are thus analyzed as the expression of peripheral communities against the enclosure of communal lands, the private appropriation of benefits, and the lack of democratic procedures involved in these projects. The discussion emphasizes the role of communal identities and institutions in building successful networks, while introducing new concepts (energy sovereignty) and alternative schemes in wind power production (cooperatives). The overall approach of the article is that any move towards a different energy system should be politically encouraged by social and cultural means, rather than be largely economically motivated. Keywords: wind energy, neoliberalism, socio-environmental conflicts, energy sovereignty, cooperatives, Tehuantepec RésuméCet article interroge l'expansion des projets d'énergie éolienne à grande échelle sur l'isthme de Tehuantepec (Mexique) et les conflits socio-environnementaux locaux qui ont émergé en réponse. Il explore comment l'agenda néolibéral au Mexique met en forme une manière spécifique de mettre en oeuvre des projets d'énergie éolienne, et comment cela conduit à la résistance locale et à la production d'alternatives. L'article est basé sur une analyse historique qui reconstruit les principales caractéristiques du développement de l'énergie éolienne et sa résistance. En suivant une perspective d'écologie politique, l'énergie éolienne est considérée comme intégrée dans un cadre plus large de relations de pouvoir et les modèles inégaux de l'économie mexicaine. Les luttes des groupes indigènes sont donc analysées comme l'expression des communautés périphériques contre l'enclos des terres communales, l'appropriation privée des bénéfices et l'absence de procédures démocratiques impliquées dans ces projets. La discussion met l'accent sur le rôle des identités et des institutions communautaires dans la mise en place et l'exploitation réussies de leurs réseaux, tout en introduisant de nouveaux concepts (souveraineté énergétique) et des programmes alternatifs dans la production d'énergie éolienne (coopératives). L'approche globale de l'article est que tout mouvement vers un système énergétique différent devrait être politiquement encouragé par des moyens sociaux et culturels, plutôt que d'être extrêmement motivé économiquement (comme actuellement). Mots-clés: énergie éolienne, néolibéralisme, conf...

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