Summary
The Santo Antônio Hydroelectric plant, located in the Madeira River, is one of the largest hydroelectric plants in Brazil. Generating 9 MW/km2, is amongst the 15 largest in the world that have a high relationship between MW generation and size of reservoir. Amongst its main sustainability highlights is the power generation that will utilize Madeira River´s high flow with a reduced reservoir and a low waterfall. Considered a “run-of-the-river” model, this project reduces the area of the reservoir significantly into 421 km2, of which 142 km2 correspond to the natural river channel. This project is considered strategic as it amongst the first projects of the Brazilian Federal Government’s Growth Acceleration Program, aiming to develop northern Brazil by contributing to energy security, job creation, and commercial activity.
Research director
Dr. Andreas Georgoulias
Research core team
Cristina Contreras, ENV-SP • Judith Rodriguez, ENV-SP
Case study written by
Judith Rodriguez, Research Associate – Core team
Editors
Maria Arrasate, MDesS Risk and Resilience 2015
