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Hydroelectric plants environmental viability: Strategic environmental assessment application in Brazil

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  • Andrade, André de Lima
  • dos Santos, Marco Aurélio

Abstract

Brazil has a predominantly renewable origin electricity generation matrix, with hydro generation accounting for about 69% of the supply. This paper promotes hydropower projects in Brazil environmental licensing procedure critical assessment, with the aim of identifying and assessing possible solutions to enhance the process, especially through Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) application to hydroelectric generation expansion planning processes. It was concluded that impact assessment has led to significant environmental improvements, as it is capable of preventing, controlling and compensating significant – and very often irreversible – environmental impacts, especially through projects optimization and environmental programs that were not initially foreseen in the EIA inclusion. However, as has been expounded throughout this study, there are still several gaps and limitations in the current process, both in power generation expansion planning aspect and project environmental impact assessment aspect. SEA application in the planning phase could contribute to facilitate and simplify hydroelectric plants licensing. Many currently compulsory stages that are carried out after the request for a prior license, such as the consultation made to involved entities and the area environmental diagnosis could already be commenced in the planning phase.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrade, André de Lima & dos Santos, Marco Aurélio, 2015. "Hydroelectric plants environmental viability: Strategic environmental assessment application in Brazil," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 1413-1423.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:52:y:2015:i:c:p:1413-1423
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2015.07.152
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. dos Santos, Marco Aurelio & Rosa, Luiz Pinguelli & Sikar, Bohdan & Sikar, Elizabeth & dos Santos, Ednaldo Oliveira, 2006. "Gross greenhouse gas fluxes from hydro-power reservoir compared to thermo-power plants," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(4), pages 481-488, March.
    2. Rosa, Luiz Pinguelli & Schaeffer, Roberto, 1995. "Global warming potentials : The case of emissions from dams," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 23(2), pages 149-158, February.
    3. Soito, João Leonardo da Silva & Freitas, Marcos Aurélio Vasconcelos, 2011. "Amazon and the expansion of hydropower in Brazil: Vulnerability, impacts and possibilities for adaptation to global climate change," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(6), pages 3165-3177, August.
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    1. Hugh King & Laurence Smith, 2016. "Many Rivers to Cross : Evaluating the Benefits and Limitations of Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Koshi River Basin," Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management (JEAPM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 18(02), pages 1-21, June.
    2. Liu, Benxi & Liao, Shengli & Cheng, Chuntian & Chen, Fu & Li, Weidong, 2018. "Hydropower curtailment in Yunnan Province, southwestern China: Constraint analysis and suggestions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 700-711.
    3. Sgarbi, Felipe de Albuquerque & Uhlig, Alexandre & Simões, André Felipe & Goldemberg, José, 2019. "An assessment of the socioeconomic externalities of hydropower plants in Brazil," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 129(C), pages 868-879.

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