Overview
Santarém is a 22.55 MW diesel power plant in Brazil. It operates on oil and serves the local grid.
Santarém is a diesel power plant located in Brazil, with a capacity of 22.55 MW. It is classified as a small-scale facility within the country's power generation sector, which relies on a mix of hydro, thermal, and renewable sources. The plant is operational and contributes to regional electricity supply. As a diesel-fired facility, Santarém operates using oil as its primary fuel. Diesel plants are typically used for peaking power or in areas with limited grid connectivity. In Brazil, such plants must comply with national environmental regulations, including emission standards set by CONAMA (Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente). The technology is generally less efficient than combined-cycle gas turbines and has higher CO2 and pollutant emissions per MWh. The plant's location near the Amazon region raises environmental considerations, as diesel combustion emits SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. However, its relatively small capacity limits its overall impact. Santarém plays a role in ensuring local energy reliability, particularly in areas where hydroelectric power may be seasonal or transmission infrastructure is limited.
Environmental context
The Santarém diesel plant operates in the Brazilian Amazon, a region of high ecological sensitivity. Diesel combustion releases CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, contributing to local air quality concerns and greenhouse gas emissions. The plant's 22.55 MW capacity is modest, but its fuel type and location near populated areas and sensitive ecosystems necessitate adherence to strict emission controls under Brazilian environmental law.
Frequently asked questions
The Santarém power plant is located in Brazil, near the city of Santarém in the state of Pará, in the Amazon region.
The Santarém plant uses oil (diesel) as its primary fuel for power generation.
The Santarém diesel power plant has a capacity of 22.55 megawatts (MW).
Diesel power plants in Brazil must comply with emission standards set by CONAMA (Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente), including limits on SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. They may also require environmental licenses and monitoring.
The Santarém plant provides local peaking power and grid support, especially in regions where hydroelectric generation is variable or transmission is limited, helping to ensure energy reliability.