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With 2,416 km, the Tocantins River originates in Goiás and supplies hydropower plants, irrigation systems, and high-productivity crops that have transformed agribusiness in the Midwest and North of Brazil.
Before it became the energy and agricultural corridor we know, the Cerrado was seen as an “economic void.” But cutting through this savanna from north to south is a river that transformed this scenario: the Tocantins River. With a length of 2,416 km, from its source at the confluence of the Almas and Maranhão rivers, between Ouro Verde de Goiás and Petrolina de Goiás, it advances through Goiás, Tocantins, Maranhão, and Pará, delivering water, energy, and life to millions of Brazilians.
Tocantins River Energy: A Fully Brazilian Strategic Basin
The Tocantins is the second largest river with a completely national course, second only to the São Francisco. Together with the Araguaia, it forms the vast Tocantins-Araguaia Hydrographic Basin, the largest entirely located in Brazil, responsible for supplying more than 8 million people and irrigating vast crops in the Cerrado.
Power Plants on the Tocantins River: Clean Energy That Drives the Countryside
The Tocantins River hosts one of the largest hydropower complexes in the country, with a combined capacity close to 11,500 MW. Among the highlights:
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- Tucuruí Power Plant (PA) – The second largest in Brazil, with about 8,000 MW.
- Lajeado Power Plant (TO) – With 902 MW, it supplies a good part of the state.
- Estreito Power Plant (MA/TO) – Capable of generating over 1,000 MW.
In addition to these, there are others like Serra da Mesa, Cana Brava, and Peixe-Angical, all essential for the supply of clean, stable, and large-scale energy. This electricity is vital to powering irrigation systems, agro-industries, and growing urban areas.
Agribusiness in the Cerrado: Irrigation, Productivity, and Modernization
The Cerrado has become one of the largest agricultural hubs in the world, and the Tocantins River plays a central role in this process. The availability of water and energy provided by hydropower plants enables irrigated crops with high technology, using center pivots, fertigation, and crop rotation methods.
Municipalities such as Pedro Afonso, Formoso do Araguaia, Lagoa da Confusão, and Balsas stand out with billion-dollar production of soybeans, corn, rice, and tropical fruits. This productivity is supported by modern water infrastructure, reliable energy, and investment in agricultural technology.
Water Infrastructure and Integrated Logistics
In addition to energy and irrigation, the Tocantins River also has enormous logistical potential. The Tocantins-Araguaia Waterway, currently undergoing expansion and adjustments, promises to connect inland crops to the Northern Arc, facilitating export through ports in the Amazon region.
The integration with highways such as BR-153 and railways like the North-South further enhances transportation efficiency. This combination of modalities transforms the Tocantins into a strategic logistical hub for the flow of grains, meats, and industrialized products.
Sustainability: Rational Water Use and Preservation of the Tocantins River
Despite its benefits, the Tocantins River faces threats such as deforestation of the banks, siltation, and excessive water use. To tackle these challenges, actions are being implemented to restore permanent preservation areas, monitor water quality, and control water use by rural, urban, and industrial users.
These measures are essential to ensure that the Tocantins continues to fulfill its strategic role for agribusiness, energy generation, and water security for millions of Brazilians.
Source: Brazilian Government
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