Impasses and controversies of hydroelectricity

This article assesses hydroelectricity in Brazil according to its importance as one of the country’s main energy sources and also to its social and environmental impasses and controversies derived from the implantation and operation of hydroelectric undertakings. In order to illustrate the questions related to large power plants that are brought up along the article, two case reports are presented: Tijuco Alto Hydroelectric Power Plant, which is going through Ibama’s (Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) environmental license process; and Barra Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant, whose environmental license process has been affected by several irregularities. Finally, possible alternatives for hydroelectric production are pointed out, particularly power plant re-potentiation and a greater incentive to undersized hydroelectric plants.

Energy and environmental policy; Hydroelectricity and environment; Hydroelectricity and society; Social conflicts; Anti-Dam movement