Distribuição racional de água e energia elétrica entre os setores econômicos do estado do Ceará - uma análise insumo-produto

The deep economic modifications suffered by the State of Ceará, in the last two decades, have been increasing the consumption of production factors, among them, water and energy, essential to most productive activities. However, as the supply of both inputs, in the region, is limited, a shortage of these inputs can cause a disarticulation of the economy, with consequences to the productive structure, and to the level of employment. As so, to set priorities of use of these inputs, among the different economic sectors, are essential to assure the continuity of the State development. The main objective of this paper is to identify the main demanding sectors of water and electric power of Ceará and to estimate the impact in the consumption of these resources due to variations in the final demand of the macro-sectors of agriculture, industry, civil construction and services. For such, an ecological input-output model was developed for Ceará. The results show the sectors which are the more demanding on the consumption of water and electric power due to variations in the final demand, as well as those sectors more vulnerable to a possible rationings of these resources. The results allow one to conclude that policies that generate employment, income, or government revenue through taxation, should necessarily be associated with water and energy use, such that the continuity of the State economic development could be guaranteed.