Fontes Nova Hydroelectric Power Plant, Brazil - 130.3 MW Capacity

Fontes Nova is a hydroelectric power plant in Brazil with a capacity of 130.3 MW. The facility is operational and plays a role in the nation's electricity supply, leveraging the country's abundant water resources for clean energy generation. As a hydroelectric plant, Fontes Nova operates without direct fuel combustion, resulting in low carbon emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. The technology typically involves turbines driven by water flow, and the plant's capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale for hydroelectric facilities in Brazil. Environmentally, hydroelectric plants can influence local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. Fontes Nova's location in Brazil, a country with a strong hydroelectric tradition, aligns with national energy policies favoring renewable sources. The plant supports grid stability and reduces reliance on thermal generation.

Hydroelectric power generation, while renewable, can alter river ecosystems and affect fish migration and sediment transport. Fontes Nova's operation in Brazil's tropical climate benefits from consistent rainfall, but drought periods may impact generation capacity. The plant's relatively modest capacity limits its environmental footprint compared to large-scale dams.