Governador Bento Munhoz da Rocha Neto (Foz do Areia)— 1,676 MW Hydroelectric
The Governador Bento Munhoz da Rocha Neto (Foz do Areia) hydroelectric power plant, located in Brazil at coordinates -26.0068° S latitude and -51.6692° W longitude, is a significant facility in the nation's energy landscape. With a robust capacity of 1676 MW, this hydroelectric power generation facility plays a crucial role in providing sustainable and renewable electricity to the Brazilian grid. Operated by Copel, the plant utilizes the hydroelectric generation technology, which harnesses the potential energy of water to produce electricity. This form of energy generation is renowned for its low greenhouse gas emissions and ability to provide reliable baseload power. The Foz do Areia plant is strategically located on the Iguaçu River, contributing to the regional energy supply while also supporting Brazil's commitment to renewable energy sources. Hydroelectric power is a cornerstone of Brazil's energy strategy, accounting for a significant portion of the national electricity generation mix. The operational context of the Governador Bento Munhoz da Rocha Neto plant highlights the importance of hydroelectricity in meeting the energy demands of a growing population and economy. As Brazil continues to focus on sustainable development and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, this hydroelectric facility represents a vital asset in achieving these goals. With its substantial output, the Foz do Areia plant not only ensures energy reliability for local communities but also contributes to Brazil's broader efforts to transition towards a greener energy future.
1.68 GW
46 years old
Brazil, South America
- 23. largest of 2,402 plants in Brazil
- #1,109 worldwide by installed capacity
- #142 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
- 0.67% of the installed capacity of Brazil
46 years in operation
Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years
Copel operates 6 plants totalling 2,421 MW
47 plants within 100 km, 3,605 MW combined
Source: OpenStreetMap
Location
Zero Direct Emissions
Governador Bento Munhoz da Rocha Neto (Foz do Areia) is a hydro power plant producing approximately 5873 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.
Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)
Technical Details
- Primary Fuel Type
- Hydro
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
Brazil- Continent
- South America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Governador Bento Munhoz da Rocha Neto Hydroelectric Power Plant: A Key Player in Brazil's Energy Landscape
The Governador Bento Munhoz da Rocha Neto Hydroelectric Power Plant, commonly known as Foz do Areia, is a significant hydroelectric facility located in Brazil, with a total installed capacity of 1,676 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 1980 and owned by Companhia Paranaense de Energia (Copel), this power plant plays a crucial role in the energy sector of Brazil, contributing to the country's electricity supply and supporting its economic development.
As a hydroelectric power plant, Foz do Areia utilizes the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity. The facility is situated on the Rio Jordão, which is a tributary of the Iguaçu River, providing a reliable source of water for energy generation. Hydropower is recognized for its ability to produce large amounts of electricity with relatively low operational costs once the infrastructure is established. Additionally, it is a renewable energy source, as it harnesses the natural water cycle, making it a more sustainable option compared to fossil fuels.
The environmental impact of hydroelectric power plants can vary, and Foz do Areia is no exception. While hydropower is typically considered cleaner than fossil fuels, the construction of large dams can lead to significant ecological changes. These may include alterations in water flow, impacts on local wildlife habitats, and potential displacement of communities. However, Copel has implemented measures to mitigate adverse effects, such as working on reforestation initiatives and monitoring local ecosystems to ensure that biodiversity is preserved as much as possible.
Regionally, the Foz do Areia power plant plays an integral role in supplying electricity to the state of Paraná and beyond, helping to stabilize the regional grid and reduce reliance on more polluting energy sources. The facility not only enhances energy security for local industries and households but also supports the growth of the regional economy by creating jobs and contributing to the overall development of infrastructure. The power generated by Foz do Areia is essential for meeting the energy demands of surrounding communities and industries, particularly in periods of high consumption.
As Brazil continues to invest in renewable energy sources to combat climate change and ensure sustainable development, the Governador Bento Munhoz da Rocha Neto (Foz do Areia) Hydroelectric Power Plant stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to harnessing its natural resources responsibly. The plant’s operations reflect the balance between energy needs and environmental stewardship, making it a vital asset in Brazil's pursuit of a greener energy future.
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