Overview
Comendador Venâncio is a 1.6 MW hydroelectric power plant located in Brazil. It is operational and contributes to the country's renewable energy mix.
Comendador Venâncio is a hydroelectric power plant located in Brazil, with coordinates approximately 21.17°S, 42.08°W. The facility has a capacity of 1.6 MW, placing it in the small-scale category for hydroelectric generation. It is currently operational, providing renewable electricity to the local grid. As a hydroelectric plant, Comendador Venâncio operates without direct fuel combustion, resulting in minimal air emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. The facility's small capacity suggests it may be a run-of-river or small dam project, typical for Brazil's diverse hydropower portfolio. Brazil's regulatory framework for hydropower includes environmental licensing and water use permits, overseen by agencies such as ANEEL and IBAMA. The plant's location in a region with significant water resources supports its role in sustainable power generation. Small hydro plants often serve local communities or industrial users, contributing to energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Environmental context
The plant's hydroelectric nature means it has a low carbon footprint, with no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions. However, small hydro projects can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The facility's capacity of 1.6 MW suggests a relatively small environmental footprint, but site-specific impacts depend on design and operational practices. Brazil's environmental licensing process for hydropower includes assessments of ecological and social impacts.
Frequently asked questions
Comendador Venâncio is located in Brazil, near coordinates 21.17°S, 42.08°W, likely in the state of Minas Gerais or Rio de Janeiro.
The plant has a capacity of 1.6 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small hydroelectric facility.
It is a hydroelectric power plant, generating electricity from flowing water without fuel combustion.
Hydroelectric plants in Brazil must comply with environmental licensing from IBAMA, water use permits from ANA, and adhere to the National Water Resources Policy.
As a small hydro plant, it adds to Brazil's renewable energy capacity, which is dominated by hydropower, supporting grid stability and reducing carbon emissions.