Faced with the challenging scenario of climate change, it is imperative to recognize the essential role of renewable energy sources. In this context, hydroelectric plants stand out as a fundamental piece, not only in the Brazilian electricity matrix, but also in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions. With this commitment, Norte Energia goes beyond its responsibility to produce and generate energy, taking on broader initiatives in favor of sustainability.
We are committed to research, innovation and the development of technologies, such as river electric mobility, as well as initiatives aimed at energy generation and storage. One of the recent advances was the study conducted by Coppe/UFRJ on greenhouse gas emissions in the Belo Monte reservoir, which concluded that our plant generates low CO2 emissions in relation to the power produced, reinforcing the renewable and clean nature of our hydroelectric generation. In this report, we highlight these and other initiatives that are shaping a greener, more resilient future.
Rodrigo Limp
Nascimento
Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Norte Energia
The Brazilian electricity matrix has a large share of renewable sources, such as hydroelectric, wind, solar and biomass. This configuration is extremely positive in combating climate change, especially when compared to the matrix of other countries. Hydroelectric plants play an indisputable role in the national system, being a robust, stable source, with operational flexibility and low cost for the consumer. Furthermore, complementarity between different energy sources is essential to keep a balanced system. In December 2023, Brazil had an electrical matrix with approximately 199 GW of total installed power, predominantly of renewable origin, highlighting the hydroelectric source, which accounts for 54.6% of the total installed power in operation.
With an installed capacity of 11.2 GW, the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant corresponds to approximately 10.3% of the installed capacity of hydroelectric plants in Brazil. With an average of 4.6 GW of Physical Guarantee, the Belo Monte HPP generated a total of 31,521 GWh, meeting around 6% of Brazilian energy consumption in 2023. Our significant generation of renewable energy, combined with work and investments in forest restoration actions and the development of new technologies, aligns with the global challenge of combating climate change.
The electromechanical maintenance and safety of the dams in the Belo Monte Complex stood out due to the exceptional performance in the availability of all generating units, keeping the integrity of dams, dikes and other structures. This success reflects a high standard of reliability in our operations. The work carried out over the years, and especially in 2023, was awarded at the 5th International Symposium on Rockfill Dams, which recognized our dams as reference for the global energy sector.
The Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant achieved first place among 13 international projects, after a rigorous technical evaluation carried out by the Brazilian Dams Committee and by the Chinese National Committee on Large Dams, which every three years select projects of great importance and technical innovations.
The year 2023 began with our adherence to the UN Global Compact. We made a formal and public commitment to the 10 Principles of the Global Compact and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With this important movement of our ESG agenda and with the results presented below, Norte Energia reaffirms its commitment to align its actions with the best sustainability practices. We continue to rely on a governance structure that is committed to and guided by the principles of sustainability. We develop projects in accordance with the company’s strategic pillars and establish goals focusing on the sustainable development of the region where Belo Monte is located.
In order to give visibility to our socio-environmental initiatives, we increased our positive exposure in the media, giving the opportunity to transparently present to Brazilian society information about the Belo Monte operation and the legacy we are building for people and the environment.
In 2023, we accomplished important achievements and continued to fulfill our commitments, contributing to the country’s economic and social development by generating clean, renewable and reliable energy, taking advantage of the hydroelectric potential of the Xingu River.
In the first half, the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant was the largest energy generator in Brazil and Latin America. In the last six months of the year, even facing the El Niño phenomenon, which reduced the flow of rivers in the North region, we kept committed to supplying energy, coming in second place in the national ranking.
Another significant milestone in 2023 was the inauguration of the Northern Operation Center at the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant, centralizing communication with the National Electric System Operator (ONS) and advancing the primary nature of operation and maintenance processes. We reaffirm our commitment to regional development by training and employing local labor in partnership with the National Service for Industrial Training (Senai) in Altamira.
Excellence in electromechanical maintenance and dam safety ensured the availability of all generating units and the the structural integrity of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Complex throughout the year.
Paulo Roberto
Ribeiro Pinto
CEO of Norte
Energia
In 2023, we took important steps: we joined the UN Global Compact; we achieved gender parity on our Board of Directors, with six women; and we published the 2nd Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory, once again receiving the Gold Seal from the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program.
Recognizing the importance of climate change, we intensified our work in the energy transition and participated in COP 28, in Dubai. In the field of biodiversity, we launched the Xingu Call for Proposals with BNDES, Fundo Vale and Energisa, part of the Floresta Viva initiative, which will allocate up to BRL 26.7 million to projects to restore degraded areas in the Xingu Hydrographic Basin.
We also highlight the Permear project, in partnership with the Municipal Department of Education of Altamira, which aims to train educators in the municipal network in ethnic-racial themes, contributing to the implementation of Federal Law No. 11,645/2008.
Our social responsibility program, Belo Monte Comunidade, expanded its activities in 2023, strengthening its work with the riverside population of the Volta Grande do Xingu region. In partnership with Belo Monte Empreende, we offer training in chocolate production, resulting in the launch of the brands Sìdjä Wahiü and Iawá, which were the highlight at the largest chocolate festival in Latin America.
Regarding Human Rights, we continued internal training for our staff and actively participated in forums such as the CEBDS Social Technical Chamber and the Global Compact’s Electric Energy Sector Working Group.
I am confident that our actions are enhancing access to renewable energy in Brazil and promoting sustainable development in the region where we operate. I invite everyone to explore our 2023 Sustainability Report, where you will find relevant information about the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant.
