Tonnes of CO2eq Compensated
1.114
Project Type
Renewable Energy
Biome
Atlantic Forest
Location
Águas de Chapecó
Status
Active
Standard
VCS
Foz do Chapecó Hydroelectric Power Plant
The Foz do Chapecó Hydroelectric Plant produces renewable energy with low environmental impact, reducing dependence on fossil fuel-fired thermal power plants and, consequently, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Using the asphalt core dam technique, the plant supplies more than five million homes between Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, flooding only 39.2 km². Additionally, Foz do Chapecó implements socio-environmental programs, such as the Biofactory for seedling production and the Fishermen Support Program, promoting sustainability, recovery of biological areas, and strengthening of family agriculture and local fishing. Through the project, over 800 tons of carbon emissions have been avoided, and more than 300 people have benefited.
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With four generating units, the Foz do Chapecó Hydroelectric Power Plant has an installed capacity of 855 megawatts. Its capacity is equivalent to 28% of the energy consumption of the state of Santa Catarina or 27% of the consumption of Rio Grande do Sul. It is enough energy to supply more than five million households.
The Foz do Chapecó Hydroelectric Power Plant is located on the Uruguai River, between the municipalities of Águas de Chapecó in Santa Catarina and Alpestre in Rio Grande do Sul. The powerhouse, where the generating units are housed, is located entirely in Alpestre. The axis of the dam is located at 27° 08’ 22,75” south latitude and 53° 02’ 50,59” west longitude.
The dam of the Foz do Chapecó Hydroelectric Power Plant is 598 meters long and 48 meters high and was the first in Brazil to use the asphalt core technique, common in European countries and the United States. Asphalt provides speed to works even in rainy periods, as it is less vulnerable to moisture. It is also recognized for its excellent performance as a waterproofing agent, ensuring total safety in blocking water.
The spillway of the Foz do Chapecó Hydroelectric Power Plant is formed by fifteen gates that discharge unused reservoir water for energy generation. Its maximum discharge capacity approaches the flow capacity of the largest hydroelectric power plant in operation in Brazil: the Itaipu Dam (only 10 m3/s less than Itaipu).
The reservoir of the Foz do Chapecó Hydroelectric Power Plant has an area of 79.2 km², of which 40.0 km² corresponds to the riverbed of the Uruguai River itself. Thus, only 39.2 km² were flooded to form the lake, making Foz do Chapecó one of the power plants with the lowest flooded area to installed capacity ratio in the country.
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What are the project SDGs
The project Foz do Chapecó Hydroelectric Power Plant includes 5 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, which are:
NO POVERTY
Ending poverty in all its forms everywhere. This goal aims to eradicate extreme poverty, promote social and economic inclusion of all individuals, and ensure that everyone has access to basic services such as health, education, and social security. It recognizes that poverty is multidimensional and requires a holistic approach to overcome, addressing not only the lack of income but also the lack of access to essential resources and opportunities.
CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION
Ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. This goal aims to guarantee universal access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation for all people by 2030. It recognizes the crucial importance of water and sanitation for health, sustainable development, and poverty eradication. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to improve water quality, promote efficient use of water resources, protect water-related ecosystems, and develop adequate sanitation infrastructure. This includes access to proper and safe sanitation facilities, as well as the promotion of appropriate hygiene practices.
DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. This goal aims to ensure that economic growth is sustainable and inclusive, creating decent jobs and work opportunities for all people. It seeks to achieve full and productive employment and decent work, as well as promote equal opportunities in the labor market, reduce informality, and combat all forms of child labor and forced labor. SDG 8 also encourages the development of policies that support entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth in sustainable sectors.
CLIMATE ACTION
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. This goal aims to address the challenges posed by climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to adverse impacts already occurring, and promoting climate resilience. Achieving this goal requires actions at various levels, from local to international, aiming at mitigating emissions, developing adaptation strategies, implementing environmental policies, and mobilizing resources to finance measures to combat climate change. SDG 13 recognizes the urgency of acting to avoid the worst effects of climate change and to protect the environment for future generations.
LIFE ON LAND
Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss. This goal aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, as well as the protection of biodiversity and natural habitats. It seeks to promote sustainable land management practices, restoration of degraded ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, combating desertification and land degradation, and preventing species extinction. SDG 15 recognizes the fundamental role of terrestrial ecosystems in the health of the planet, in mitigating climate change, and in human well-being.