Transição energética e os resíduos sólidos dos conversores de energias renováveis: o que vem depois do fim da vida útil?

Abstract

The low-carbon energy transition consists of replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, and is essential to address the climate crisis and promote sustainable development, and is directly related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, issues related to the management of solid waste from structures that make up the renewable energy production chain, specifically wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries for electrified vehicles, will be addressed, considering the lack of specific regulations in Brazil. The problem revolves around the following question: how can the regulatory gap in the management of solid waste from renewable energy compromise sustainable development from the perspective of the Brazilian low-carbon energy transition? The study is relevant because it reveals contradictions in the concept of “clean” energy and the risks of negligence regarding the final destination of solid waste generated by the energy transition. The general objective is to analyze how Brazilian regulations on solid waste management are applied to waste originating from renewable energy sources in the context of the low-carbon energy transition. The research is applied, qualitative, descriptive and explanatory, based on a bibliographic and documentary review and comparative analysis. It is concluded that the topic is partially regulated by the National Solid Waste Policy, but requires specific regulation to align with the proposal for an energy transition, since the regulatory gap in the management of solid waste from renewable energy sources weakens the social and environmental pillars of sustainability due to inadequate disposal that can compromise ecological balance and human health, in addition to compromising the economic pillar by failing to strengthen a broad and sustainable circular economy system. Furthermore, the lack of regulatory parameters and qualitative data on the end of the useful life of renewable energy converters in Brazil presents a contradiction to the objectives of the energy transition itself, which aims at both sustainability and the protection of the global climate system.