EXTENDED URBANISATION, ENERGY PRODUCTION AND SPATIAL JUSTICE IN SMALL CITIES OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL AND SANTA CATARINA

Abstract

Urbanisation is a socio-spatial process that produces cities and a way of life. It has been spreading continuously since the first industrial revolution. Much of the urban development and growth is related to the intensity of energy production in countries worldwide, especially electric energy. In Brazil, the energy is mostly produced by hydroelectric plants, most of them located in rivers outside great metropolitan areas. In this paper, we aim to discuss the existing contradictions in small cities in view of the expansion of energy production in order to problematize notions such as development and spatial justice. Our analytical focus relies on two hydroelectric plants, Barra Grande and Itá, and particularly four small cities located nearby: Anita Garibaldi and Itá in Santa Catarina state; Pinhal da Serra and Aratiba in Rio Grande do Sul state. The research was based on fieldworks conducted in these cities and hydroelectric plants where we collected photographic records and citizens’ testimonies. We conclude by observing disparities in the fours mentioned cities brought up by the implementation of the hydroelectric plants and we highlight as well the challenges to be faced.