Water management 

The Xingu River hydroelectric power project underwent many changes since its initial conception four decades ago. Over the course of studies conducted across the country, more than ten scenarios were evaluated. The chosen project was the one that best balanced the demand for energy generation—a prerequisite for the National Interconnected System (SIN)—with the mitigation of social and environmental impacts, ensuring the conservation of biodiversity and the way of life of the traditional peoples of Volta Grande do Xingu. 

The original design envisaged a flooded area of ​​approximately 18,300 km², which was redesigned to 478 km², 97% less, ensuring that no indigenous lands were flooded. 

Since the plant began operating in 2016, and with its full capacity reached in November 2019, the Reduced Flow Stretch (TVR) was completed, located downstream of the Pimental HPP dam. Stretching for approximately 100 km along the 1,800 km of the Xingu River, this stretch is now regulated by a hydrograph that defines the amount of water released. 

We currently operate with a more restrictive hydrograph than originally provided for in the concession agreement. 

Norte Energia continuously monitors social and environmental conditions and develops various mitigation measures anticipated in the environmental licensing plan. These measures include, in particular, the implementation of the Integrated Management Plan for the Volta Grande do Xingu, a component of Belo Monte’s PBA, as well as specific projects for the TVR, including those provided for in the PBA-CI. 

These actions were implemented continuously, advancing with the inclusion of ongoing dialogues with riverside communities and indigenous peoples, in order to improve strategies for mitigating and compensating for impacts.