The multiple services of hydropower plants in the context of sustainable electric sector in Brazil

Abstract

At the worldwide level, the hydroelectricity corresponds to 54% of all renewable electricity, 15% of total electricity generated and only 3% of all total primary energy. In Brazil, hydropower produces 74% of all renewable electricity, 57% of electrical energy and 11% of all total primary energy (EPE, 2023). As all over the world, the construction and operation of large artificial reservoirs until the mid-twentieth century was seen in Brazil by government and by the general public as important infrastructure investment for economic development and improvement of well-being. Nowdays, investments in hydropower plants are re-gaining importance given not only its ability in supporting the transition of the electricity grid to get rid of dependence on fossil fuels but also in the provision of numerous other services. In particular, Brazilian hydropower plants contribute to multiple water resources management services such as flood and drought control, groundwater stabilization, water quality management, river navigation, irrigation, leisure and tourism and aquaculture around the country. The article discusses the multiple services provided to society by hydroelectric power plants within the context of sustainability in Brazil.