Overview
Santa Gabriela is a 24 MW hydroelectric power plant located in Brazil. It operates as a renewable energy facility contributing to the country's clean power generation.
Santa Gabriela is a hydroelectric power plant located in Brazil, with coordinates approximately 17.54°S, 54.43°W. The facility has a capacity of 24 megawatts, placing it in the small-scale range for hydroelectric plants. It is currently operational and contributes to Brazil's diverse energy mix. Hydroelectric power is a well-established technology in Brazil, which relies heavily on hydropower for its electricity generation. The plant operates under Brazil's national regulatory framework for renewable energy, including environmental licensing and water use permits. The technology typically involves a dam or run-of-river system to convert water flow into electricity. The plant's location in the central-western region of Brazil, near the border of Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso, places it in an area with significant water resources. As a renewable energy source, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. The facility supports local grid stability and provides clean energy to the surrounding communities.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a relatively low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants, but can impact local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The Santa Gabriela plant, with its 24 MW capacity, likely operates with minimal reservoir footprint if run-of-river. The surrounding region in central Brazil features tropical savanna and wetlands, where water management is critical for biodiversity. The plant's operation must comply with Brazilian environmental regulations to mitigate effects on fish migration and sediment transport.
Frequently asked questions
Santa Gabriela hydroelectric plant is located in Brazil, with approximate coordinates 17.54°S, 54.43°W, in the central-western region of the country.
Santa Gabriela has a capacity of 24 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
Santa Gabriela is a hydroelectric power plant, which generates electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water.
Hydroelectric plants in Brazil must comply with environmental licensing from IBAMA, water use permits from ANA, and regulations under the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL). They also follow guidelines for environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures.
As a hydroelectric plant, Santa Gabriela adds renewable, low-carbon electricity to Brazil's grid, which is already heavily reliant on hydropower. It supports energy security and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.