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Hydroelectric plants in Parnaíba boost water security, renewable energy and navigability, fundamental for economic development and energy security of the future.
Hydroelectric plants play a fundamental role in water security and the production of renewable energy, contributing significantly to the navigability of rivers and regional economic development. On the Parnaíba River, new plants are being built and will have an impact far beyond energy generation, helping to ensure a safer and more stable energy future. These initiatives are vital to mitigate the effects of severe droughts that frequently hit the region., and ensure sustainability long-term.
The construction of these hydroelectric plants in Parnaíba also implies the creation of new dams, which play a crucial role in the management of water resources. Dams help to stabilize the flow of rivers, improving navigability and water storage, essential to face dry periods. In addition to providing energy, these hydroelectric plants boost regional infrastructure, promoting the integral development of local communities and strengthening resilience against adverse climate events.
In 90% of the affected cities, there was even a lack of drinking water, which led the government to declare an 'emergency' in 204 locations, following a severe drought that caused immense suffering and losses to more than two million people. Over the course of three years, livestock, livestock and crops were completely compromised, and water reservoirs almost dried up, such as the Bocaina Dam, which has 54 million cubic meters.
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Scientific studies on climate events
Several studies, including those by Mead, Clayton, Schell and Haurwitz, have proven a direct relationship between the 11-year sunspot cycle and terrestrial hydrology, resulting in floods and droughts that occur, on average, every 11 to 12 years. These events are further influenced by local factors. It is striking that, despite these natural predictions, the unpredictable behavior of human society in the face of such extremes of droughts and floods continues to be a constant, preferring to take risks, quickly forgetting past experiences.
The mandate of the governor of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Eduardo, is a recent example of this recklessness, as he ignored the water security of the areas under his administration, despite having been warned years ago by experienced scientists and technicians. Apparently, the prevailing rule in Brazil is: 'why spend money to avoid a drought or a flood that isn't happening now?' Voters and administrators tend to forget that engineering works, which require more than 10 years to be planned, licensed and built, work effectively and have a long useful life.
Importance of hydroelectric power
O Davos World Economic Forum placed Brazil in 12th position worldwide in the Energy Transition Index (ETI), first in the Americas and third among G20 countries. The consideration was given to Brazil's commitment to hydroelectric energy, solar energy, wind energy and biofuels, encouraging investments in sustainable infrastructure. At the event in Teresina, during the Dialogue Panel 'Innovations and Sustainability of Hydroelectric Power Plants' at the International Conference on Renewable Energy Technologies, promoted by the State Government, UNDP and ICIMA, I highlighted that Piauí has already reached third place in installed energy capacity solar and wind in Brazil.
Although my invitation highlighted solar and wind energy, I recalled the importance of hydroelectric plants, particularly HPP Boa Esperança, which since 1968 has produced 97% of the state's needs. I suppose that Piauí's proposal also involves generating hydrogen using renewable sources, with the aim of selling this gas as a cheap commodity for the steel and fertilizer industries in Europe. During the event, when thanking Governor Rafael Fonteles, I was warmly received and he reinforced the importance of hydroelectric plants as permanent sources of water storage.
Debate on energy and food security
During the three days of CITER, there were more than 45 debates between experts and businesspeople from major world economies, including SPIC, owner of the Marangatu photovoltaic plant and the São Simão hydroelectric plant. In these debates, the inconsistency of producing green hydrogen with up to 48% of fossil thermoelectric plants in the energy matrix were addressed. The International Agency for Renewable energy (IRENA) defines green hydrogen as that coming from the electrolysis of water using exclusively electricity from renewable sources. The European Union, on the other hand, intends to include the production of green hydrogen from natural gas with carbon capture and storage, which would make the fuel more expensive.
Green hydrogen generation sources
In Brazil, the Ministry of Mines and Energy proposes a concept similar to IRENA, with an emphasis on low carbon emissions throughout the hydrogen life cycle. Hydrogen production is highly dependent on the cost of electrical energy; therefore, green, yellow, blue, or colorless hydrogen is not an energy source in itself, but a fuel with a high calorific value. Its cost depends on the energy sources used for its production and the environmental costs associated with these sources.
Energy sources are classified as intermittent or permanent. Intermittent ones, such as solar and wind, are not controllable, while permanent ones, such as hydroelectric and thermoelectric plants, are controllable. Thermoelectric plants, in particular, are more expensive and more polluting compared to hydroelectric plants. Therefore, to produce green hydrogen using solar energy, it is crucial to have a permanent source to top up during sunless hours. Only hydroelectric and thermoelectric plants offer this continuity.
Investments and Water Security in Piauí
Choosing hydroelectric plants to complement the production of green hydrogen brings additional benefits such as recharging underground water reserves, providing irrigation, serving fish and fruit farming, containing floods, combating drought, and regularizing water levels, contributing to water security. Furthermore, they allow river navigation, tourism and leisure. Ignoring these options increases dependence on thermoelectric plants at night and on cloudy days, harming water security until the next drought.
The lack of new hydroelectric plants in the national energy matrix has meant that thermoelectric plants now represent 38% of installed capacity. According to the Ten-Year Energy Expansion Plan, prepared by the MME, this proportion could reach 48% in the critical months between 2026 and 2030. The increasing use of fossil thermoelectric plants contradicts Brazil's environmental commitments and prevents the production of genuine green hydrogen .
Waterways and Hydroelectric Plans
Hydroelectric plants and waterways are essential for Brazil's agricultural and industrial competitiveness. In Parnaíba, ANEEL inventoried eight hydroelectric plants, all with environmental licenses and designed with locks. These plants serve municipalities in several states and could generate more than 115 million reais per month and 24 million in ICMS. An investment of 12,16 billion made by private companies would reduce dependence on fossil fuels and guarantee energy security of the future.
The construction of locks on Brazilian rivers, similar to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) model in the USA, would contribute to water security, navigability and food safety from the country. In addition to promoting tourist and recreational activities and dislodging submerged banks. However, Brazilian waterways are underutilized due to powerful opposing interests, which prefer investments in road transport and expensive freight, reducing our international competitiveness.
Strategic Regional Planning Initiatives
The Davos World Economic Forum highlights the importance of hydroelectric plants for renewable energy in Brazil. The ability to generate continuous and stable energy places the country in a strategic position. Waterway and hydroelectric projects must follow the precautionary principle to ensure long-term economic and social viability in Piauí, similar to TVA-structured development in the USA. TVA has shown how multifunctional management of water resources can bring significant economic, social and environmental benefits.
In Parnaíba, it is crucial to consider the long-term impacts of dredging without level regularization; just remember the failures of initiatives without coordinated planning, such as those observed in Amazonas. An integrated project that combines water security, navigability and sustainable use of resources could transform the region, generating wealth and opportunities.
Finally, the development and water security of Piauí and other regions depend on careful planning and the implementation of projects that reconcile public and private interests. O Strategic Regional Planning and Development Program it must be the key to this success, facilitating the collaboration necessary to achieve common goals of sustainability and economic growth.
Source: ENERCONS
