Belo Monte reduces water flow due to El Niño

Norte Energia has begun reducing the water flow to the intermediate reservoir of the Belo Monte hydroelectric plant on the Xingu River in Pará. This preventive measure is a response to the potential effects of the El Niño phenomenon in the North region of Brazil.

The flow is being gradually reduced from 300 to 100 cubic meters per second and is expected to remain in effect until November 30. The company stated that this reduction will not affect the water volume allocated to the Volta Grande do Xingu. The operation has received authorization from Ibama, the National Water and Sanitation Agency (ANA), and the National Electric System Operator (ONS).

According to Norte Energia, the exceptional operation aims to improve predictability for the National Interconnected System (SIN), enhance navigability in the main reservoir for indigenous and riverside communities, and support the Belo Monte Fish Transposition System to aid migratory species during their reproductive period. The company will monitor water quality and fish movement throughout the process.