The Santo Antônio hydroelectric plant, one of the largest in Brazil with an average installed capacity of 2,424.2 MW of energy, had its operations interrupted due to low flow levels in the Madeira River. The concessionaire responsible for the project announced the stoppage this Monday (2), due to the current record of flow in the river, which is around 50% below the historical average.
The decision, in line with the National Electric System Operator (ONS), aims to ensure the operational integrity of the plant's generating units, establishing minimum parameters for safe operation of the equipment.
The Santo Antônio Hydroelectric Plant, one of the most significant in the country, has a power of 3,568 megawatts (MW) and is under the control of Eletrobras.
In an official statement, the concessionaire Santo Antônio Energia highlighted the importance of the plant for the electrical system, however, it informed that during the period of low flow in the Madeira River, energy generation will be reduced and may eventually be interrupted if the operational limits of generating units are achieved.
The company guaranteed that the Madeira River will follow its natural course, with the flow concentrated through the plant's main spillway, and stated that sales contracts will not be affected during this period of water restrictions.
Usina Santo Antônio will continue to closely monitor the situation, together with the competent authorities, to determine the appropriate time to resume operations, thus ensuring the safety and efficiency of the project.
