Overview
Governador Bento Munhoz da Rocha Neto (Foz do Areia) is a 1,676 MW hydroelectric power plant in Brazil. It is an operational facility contributing to the country's renewable energy grid.
Governador Bento Munhoz da Rocha Neto, also known as Foz do Areia, is a large hydroelectric power plant located in Brazil. With a capacity of 1,676 MW, it ranks among the significant hydropower facilities in the country, supporting the national grid with renewable energy. The plant operates under Brazil's regulatory framework for hydroelectric generation, which includes environmental licensing and water use permits. As a hydroelectric facility, it utilizes the flow of the Iguaçu River, converting hydraulic energy into electricity. The technology employed is typical of large-scale hydropower, involving dams and turbines. Environmentally, hydroelectric plants like Foz do Areia provide low-carbon electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, they can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The plant plays a key role in Brazil's energy mix, which is heavily reliant on hydropower, and contributes to the country's energy security and renewable energy targets.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, Foz do Areia generates electricity with minimal direct CO2 emissions, supporting Brazil's clean energy profile. However, large dams can alter river ecosystems, affecting fish migration and sediment transport. The plant's location in the Paraná state region involves considerations of water resource management and biodiversity conservation. Its operation is subject to environmental licensing and monitoring to mitigate ecological impacts.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Brazil, on the Iguaçu River, in the state of Paraná. Its coordinates are approximately 26.0833° S, 51.6500° W.
The plant has an installed capacity of 1,676 megawatts (MW), making it one of the larger hydroelectric facilities in Brazil.
It is part of the national hydropower infrastructure.
Hydroelectric plants in Brazil must comply with environmental licensing under the National Environmental Policy (Law 6.938/1981) and water use permits from the National Water Agency (ANA). They are also subject to environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures.
Hydroelectric power is the backbone of Brazil's electricity generation, accounting for over 60% of the country's capacity. It provides renewable, low-carbon energy, but its expansion faces environmental and social challenges related to dam construction.