Brazil: Deforestation Risks the Use of Hydroelectric Plants

On May 15, 2013, noticias.r7.com reported a study conducted by American and Brazilian researchers who concluded that continued deforestation in the Amazon could reduce the amount of energy produced by hydroelectric plants. Researchers claim the forest is critical in the formation of rivers, which are responsible for turning the turbines. If deforestation continues, energy produced by the Belo Monte hydroelectric plant can reduce by one-third when operations begin in 2019. Many countries in tropical areas have already begun investing in the use of hydroelectric plants as a source of energy, however, if deforestation continues, such projects will produce 30% less energy then expected. Brazil has made much effort over the last year to reduce deforestation as rates have decreased by 24% however; rates are beginning to increase again. Read Article