Overview
Bioenergética Vale do Paracatu - BEVAP is a 55 MW operational biomass power plant in Brazil. It generates electricity from biomass, contributing to the country's renewable energy mix.
Bioenergética Vale do Paracatu - BEVAP is a biomass power plant located in Brazil, with coordinates approximately 17.0582° S, 46.1741° W. The facility has an installed capacity of 55 megawatts (MW) and is currently operational. As a biomass plant, it utilizes organic materials to generate electricity, aligning with Brazil's growing focus on renewable energy sources. The plant operates under Brazil's national environmental regulations, which include licensing requirements from environmental agencies such as IBAMA and state-level bodies. Biomass power generation in Brazil typically uses sugarcane bagasse, wood waste, or other agricultural residues. The 55 MW capacity places BEVAP in the medium-scale range for biomass plants in the country, where capacities often range from 10 MW to over 100 MW. BEVAP contributes to the regional energy grid and supports the local economy by utilizing biomass resources. Its operation helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional thermal plants. The facility plays a role in Brazil's renewable energy portfolio, which is dominated by hydropower but increasingly diversified with biomass and other sources.
Environmental context
The plant's biomass fuel source results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal or oil-fired plants, though emissions depend on the specific biomass type and combustion technology. Located in a rural area of Minas Gerais state, the facility's environmental impact is mitigated by its renewable nature. Proximity to agricultural or forestry operations may provide a sustainable fuel supply chain, reducing transportation emissions.
Frequently asked questions
Bioenergética Vale do Paracatu - BEVAP is located in Brazil, with approximate coordinates 17.0582° S, 46.1741° W, in the state of Minas Gerais.
The plant has an installed capacity of 55 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale biomass power plant.
The plant uses biomass as its primary fuel, which may include sugarcane bagasse, wood waste, or other organic materials.
Biomass power plants in Brazil must comply with environmental licensing from IBAMA or state agencies, including air emission standards and waste management requirements under CONAMA resolutions.
As a renewable energy source, the plant helps diversify Brazil's energy mix beyond hydropower, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable development.