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The Largest Hydroelectric Power Plant in Rio Grande do Sul Has 1,450 MW of Power and a Reservoir of 141 km². Inaugurated in 2000, It Remains Vital for Brazil’s Energy Supply.
Rio Grande do Sul houses one of the most impressive works in the Brazilian electric sector. Built on the bed of the Uruguay River, at the border between Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, the Itá Hydroelectric Power Plant (UHE Itá) is the largest in the state in installed capacity. With 1,450 megawatts (MW) of power, the plant is responsible for generating enough energy to supply entire cities, consolidating itself as a strategic piece in the national energy matrix.
More than two decades after starting operations in 2000, the hydroelectric plant remains vital for the balance of the Brazilian interconnected system, reinforcing the importance of Rio Grande do Sul in the production of clean and renewable energy.
A Monumental Reservoir in Southern Brazil
The highlight of UHE Itá is not only its power but also the size of its reservoir. The artificial lake formed by the dam occupies 141 km², equivalent to nearly 14 thousand hectares.
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This flooded area not only enabled large-scale energy generation but also transformed the geography and economy of the region.
As seen in other major hydroelectric projects in the country, filling the reservoir led to the relocation of communities and the redesign of the local landscape. New economic opportunities emerged in return, particularly highlighting tourism, fishing, and navigation on the lake.
Power of 1,450 MW on the Uruguay River
With 1,450 MW of installed power, UHE Itá is the largest in Rio Grande do Sul and one of the most important in the southern part of the country. For comparison, this capacity is enough to supply more than 4 million inhabitants, considering the average Brazilian residential consumption.
The project was developed by Eletrosul and later transferred to Tractebel Energia (now Engie Brasil Energia).
Its construction required advanced technology, a large dam, and billion-dollar investments, solidifying it as one of the largest infrastructure projects in the South.
Clean and Renewable Energy
The main contribution of UHE Itá lies in the generation of clean energy. Like other large hydroelectric plants, the facility harnesses the power of the waters of the Uruguay River to transform kinetic energy into electricity, with no direct emissions of greenhouse gases.
This role gains relevance in a context where Brazil seeks to consolidate its image as a powerhouse in renewable energy.
The presence of Itá helps maintain the Brazilian electrical matrix among the cleanest in the world, with over 80% participation from renewable sources.
Regional Impacts
In addition to energy, UHE Itá brought lasting impacts to the border region between Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina:
- Urban Development: Neighboring municipalities, such as Itá (SC) and Aratiba (RS), restructured after the construction of the lake, with new residential and commercial hubs.
- Tourism and Leisure: The reservoir gave rise to nautical tourism practices, sport fishing, and leisure activities that boost the local economy.
- Road Infrastructure: Associated works included bridges, roads, and improvements to regional access.
Although filling the reservoir required population relocations, the hydroelectric plant established itself as a driver of regional development.
Environmental and Social Challenges
Like other major hydroelectric enterprises, UHE Itá also brought challenges. The environmental impact on aquatic fauna and flora, the alteration of the natural course of the Uruguay River, and the need for socio-environmental compensations were central points during its construction.
Even today, there is continuous monitoring to preserve biodiversity and mitigate environmental effects. Fish repopulation programs and sustainability actions are part of the plant’s routine.
After more than two decades of operation, UHE Itá remains strategic for the National Interconnected System (SIN). Its location in the South ensures a balance in energy supply for regions with high industrial and urban demand.
Moreover, the plant acts as a stability reserve, allowing Brazil to reduce dependence on thermoelectric plants during peak consumption times, resulting in lower costs and reduced emissions of pollutants.
The Legacy of the Largest Hydroelectric Plant in RS
UHE Itá represents the synthesis of the Brazilian hydroelectric model: large works, large-scale reservoirs, significant environmental and social impact, but also the generation of energy in volumes capable of sustaining economic growth for decades.
With 1,450 MW of power and a reservoir of 141 km², it remains the largest hydroelectric plant in Rio Grande do Sul and one of the most important in the southern region, confirming the state’s role in the national energy matrix.
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