Colino 1 Hydroelectric Power Plant, Brazil | 11 MW Capacity

Colino 1 is a hydroelectric power plant located in Brazil, with coordinates 17.0778° S, 40.0853° W. It has an installed capacity of 11 megawatts (MW), placing it in the small-scale category for hydroelectric facilities. The plant is currently operational and uses hydro as its primary fuel source. As a hydroelectric facility in Brazil, Colino 1 operates under the regulatory framework of the Brazilian National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) and the Ministry of Mines and Energy. Brazil's hydroelectric sector is well-established, with many plants benefiting from the country's abundant water resources. The plant's small capacity suggests it may serve local or regional electricity needs, potentially as a run-of-river or small reservoir project. The environmental significance of Colino 1 lies in its use of renewable hydropower, which produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions during operation. However, hydroelectric projects can have local ecological impacts, such as alterations to river flow and aquatic habitats. The plant's small scale may mitigate some of these effects compared to larger dams. Its operational status indicates ongoing contribution to Brazil's electricity grid, supporting the country's energy transition goals.

Colino 1, as a hydroelectric plant, has a low carbon footprint during operation, but its environmental context includes potential impacts on local aquatic ecosystems and river hydrology. The plant's small capacity (11 MW) suggests a relatively minor footprint compared to large-scale hydro projects. Brazil's hydroelectric sector is subject to environmental licensing requirements, including assessments of water use and biodiversity impacts. The plant's location in a region with likely tropical climate and vegetation may involve considerations for forest conservation and watershed management.