Belo Monte: a scheme to enhance Brazil’s socio-economic development

Belo Monte is currently considered the most important hydro scheme in the Brazilian Government’s ‘Growth Acceleration Programme’. It has faced opposition from international NGOs in recent years, but as this article shows, a sensitive planning process, including good communications with local communities focusing on their rights and quality of life, has now led to widespread acceptance of the scheme. As well as providing an average of 4571 MW of firm energy, the project will provide some 20 000 direct job opportunities locally, and will enhance local infrastructure and industry. This paper gives an overview of technical, environmental and social aspects of the scheme.