Hydroelectric Plant Site Visit

Our last site visit for the week was at a hydroelectric plant in a remote coast side area outside of the city. A Canadian company with the help of an American engineer constructed the plant in the 1920s. The Tiete River powers the plant. The height of the river creates higher potential energy, and therefore the plant utilizes less water than other hydroelectric plants to produce energy. The water is held in a reservoir and then released and pressurized to spin the turbines and produce energy. After the water flows through the plant, it continues outward along its natural path. We were shown turbines in the factory and underground. We had to wear a lot of protective gear: glasses, a helmet, earplugs, and they made me change out of my flip-flops into disgusting itchy boots! Hydroelectricity is the main alternative energy industry of Brazil. 

 Picture of exterior of factory

 Picture of the Tiete River

 Picture of the turbine

There are both benefits and costs derived by hydroelectricity, and it is up to the state to determine the best source of energy with the resources at their disposal. The external costs are lower than any other electrical channel. Life cycle superiority: lowest greenhouse gases, and sulfur dioxide emissions. Run of river facilities use the second smallest amount of land after nuclear. Feasible for the rest of the world, especially where there are still hundreds of millions without electricity. Wind, solar and nuclear cant meet such needs and since we need to wean off of fossil fuels, hydroelectricity is our best option. However it is only projected to grow at 2% per year because investors are reluctant to provide the large upfront cost.