Overview
Jorge Lacerda I e II is a 232 MW coal-fired power plant in Santa Catarina, Brazil. It is one of the largest coal power facilities in the country, supporting regional energy needs.
Jorge Lacerda I e II is a coal-fired power plant located in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, with a total capacity of 232 megawatts. The facility is operational and plays a significant role in the region's power generation mix, contributing to the stability of the local grid. As a coal plant, it is part of Brazil's diversified energy portfolio, which also includes substantial hydroelectric and renewable sources. The plant operates under Brazil's national environmental regulations, which include emission standards for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Coal-fired generation in Brazil typically uses subcritical technology, and the Jorge Lacerda complex is among the older coal plants in the country. The plant's capacity places it in the medium-scale range for coal power globally, and it supplies electricity to the interconnected national grid. Environmentally, the plant's coal combustion results in CO2 emissions and other pollutants. Its location in a region with moderate population density means that local air quality is a consideration. The plant's continued operation reflects the balance between energy security and environmental impact in Brazil's energy strategy.
Environmental context
The plant's coal combustion generates CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, contributing to local and regional air quality concerns. Its location in Santa Catarina, a state with mixed industrial and agricultural activity, means emissions may affect nearby communities. The plant's age and technology (likely subcritical) result in lower efficiency and higher emissions per MWh compared to modern supercritical or CCGT plants. Regulatory oversight by Brazilian environmental agencies aims to mitigate these impacts through emission limits and monitoring.
Frequently asked questions
Jorge Lacerda I e II is located in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, near the coordinates 28.4410° S, 48.9485° W.
The plant has a total capacity of 232 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale coal power facility.
The plant uses coal as its primary fuel, which is typical for thermal power generation in the region.
Coal power plants in Brazil must comply with national emission standards set by CONAMA (National Environment Council), including limits on SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Plants may also need environmental licenses and monitoring programs.
The plant provides baseload power to the national grid, complementing Brazil's dominant hydroelectric generation. It helps ensure energy security during dry periods when hydro output is reduced.