John Becker

EGR 240-001
Homework Hydro
10/28/15
A Mega-Dam Dilemma in the Amazon (2011):
The article in discussion is focused on the region of Peru known as Madre de Dios,
this region is comprised almost entirely of rain forests. This region has been
historically one of Perus least populated and most inaccessible regions. The capital
of this region is Puerto Maldonado, this city is very rural in sense, with a modest
population of 25,000 (official) and very few paved roads. However much of this is
changing as the area is seeing an increase in population due to the multi-billion
dollar project of the Inter-Oceanic Highway, which connects Brazils Atlantic coast to
Perus Pacific coast. This Highway passes by Puerto Maldonado, making the area
more accessible. Projects such as this and others are helping change the culture in
Latin America, more specifically improving the economies in these regions and
therefore decreasing the poverty rate. This increase in economic activity has
resulted in the need for more electricity in the region.
Brazil more specifically has experienced a huge growth in its economy which has
resulted in an increase in demand for electricity. For many years Brazil has sought
to increase its power portfolio through hydroelectric dams; however Brazil is a
relatively flat country and does not experience the necessary change in elevation
(head) needed for sufficient power supply from a hydroelectric power plant. That is
why Brazil has begun to seek the construction of dams in surrounding areas such as
Peru, Bolivia, and Paraguay. The article focuses on the proposed dam along the
Inambari River in Perus Madre de Dios region.

Figure 1 Map of Proposed Dam Site in Peru

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/people-places/a-mega-dam-dilemma-in-theamazon-270961/?no-ist=

When the dam is complete it will have an installed capacity of 2,000MW. Much of
this power will initially be delivered to Brazil, but will gradually see more go to the
needs of Peru. This hydroelectric power plant will become the largest in Peru and
fifth largest in all of South America. This comes at a great time for Peru as they are
expecting an increase in energy demands by 40% over the next decade. With such
a large project being developed there are positive and negative impacts that will be
felt by the region.
Pros2,000MW capacity could help meet the demands for more energy in the
region, which its main industries are farming and mining of resources these
are energy intensive.
o Most of the mining is for gold as Peru is the sixth largest producer of
gold in the world.
Perus energy is supplied largely from fossil fuel sources, the proposed dam
would help greatly reduce the need of power from such sources, helping
reduce emissions.
The project would provide a stable source of power which could help continue
the regions economic expansion, thus lifting a significant portion of the
population out of poverty by providing more jobs and trade with Brazil.
The government and electric company has promised to fund a new hospital
as well as housing for residents of Puerto Maldonado.
A Small number of villagers are opposed to the project but majority of
population in favor, mostly due to increase in jobs.
Cons

155 square mile reservoir created behind the dam will displace approximately
4,000 Peruvians, which come from over 60 villages.
o Most of the area being flooded is rain forests, which absorb carbon
dioxide.
o If the forests are not cleared properly, then after flooding of the area
the decay of plant matter will result in large releases of methane and
carbon dioxide (greenhouse gases).
The dam can wipe out much of the aquatic life downstream as freshwater fish
are more sensitive to changes in sediment and water flow.
o Important as fish comprise a large portion of the diet for inhabitants of
the region.
However much of the fish contain toxic amounts of mercury
anyways from the mining activities, so diet of fish is already a
problem.
Argument is that with more money people can afford food that is
transported in from other areas.
The Inambari River is used for travel which will be impacted by the project.
The main complaint from citizens is not the hydroelectric plant itself, but that
much of the power is going to Brazil.

Overall much of the population is excited about the opportunities that will be
available thanks to creation of a hydroelectric power plant in the region. Even the
Peruvian governments first Environmental Minister Antonio Brack, a respected
biologist, believes the pros outweigh the cons. This will help stimulate the region
and lift many residents out of poverty, if executed properly. As Peru grows and
expands its economic activity it will need a reliable source of power , and once the
majority of power from the 2,000MW plant is kept in Peru, it will help meet these
needs in a clean and cheap manner.