en.Wedoany.com Reported - On July 7, 2026, the Brazilian Federal Public Ministry (Ministério Público Federal, MPF) submitted a technical opinion to the government of Paraíba State, requesting the governor to fully approve Bill No. 2.061/2024 (PL 2.061/2024). The bill stipulates that the minimum distance between wind turbines and public, collective, and private buildings shall not be less than 1.5 kilometers. The MPF stated that this measure aims to reduce the impact of the rapid expansion of wind power projects on surrounding communities.
The MPF noted that the lack of distance regulations has already caused conflicts and health risks in several regions of northeastern Brazil. In the technical opinion, the MPF cited scientific research findings and reports from local residents, indicating that proximity to wind turbines is associated with health issues such as sleep disorders, stress, anxiety, and depression, symptoms linked to continuous exposure to noise, infrasound, and vibrations. The document also mentioned the negative effects of turbines on livestock farming. The MPF believes that setting a minimum distance aligns with the principles of prevention and precaution, and cited international experience—multiple countries have adopted spacing standards of 1.5 to 2 kilometers to reduce impacts on neighboring communities.
Paraíba State is one of the regions with the richest wind energy resources in Brazil. According to industry statistics, as of the end of 2025, the state's installed wind power capacity had reached approximately 1,746.4 megawatts. The Serra da Palmeira wind power project, invested in by China Three Gorges Corporation, is located in this state, with a total installed capacity of 648 megawatts and 108 units of 6 megawatts each, making it the largest overseas greenfield wind power project of China Three Gorges Corporation. The rapid development of the wind power industry in the state has sparked discussions on community protection and environmental impacts.
Bill No. 2.061/2024 was approved by the Legislative Assembly of Paraíba State and then sent to the governor for approval. The core objective of the bill is to protect public health and well-being, addressing the challenges posed by the accelerated expansion of wind power projects. The MPF's opinion holds that the 1.5-kilometer minimum distance standard aligns with international best practices. Currently, the state government has not yet made an official response regarding the final decision on the bill.
The MPF's push for legislative distance limits is part of the ongoing investigation by the Brazilian Federal Prosecution Service into the social and environmental impacts of the wind power industry in the Northeast. As installed wind power capacity continues to grow, balancing energy transition with community protection has become a key issue in Brazil's renewable energy development.
