What Is the Socioeconomic Impact of the Tucuruí Dam on Its Surrounding Municipalities?

Abstract

Hydroelectric energy is known for being renewable, clean, efficient and harmless in comparison to other nonrenewable energy sources. Nonetheless, the installation of a hydroelectric power complex (HC) in places, such as the Amazon, have proven to cause land cover changes, and alter local population dynamics. Issues like migration and city expansion can cause economic, social and cultural impacts locally, while the benefits are seen in other regions. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the socioeconomic indicators of the municipalities directly affected by the Tucuruí HPC. The study took into consideration three scenarios: the post-inauguration of the HC in 1988 (phase I), the beginning of construction in 2000 (phase II), and the completion of the Tucuruí HC in 2010 (phase III). Two types of multivariate analysis were conducted: the principal component analysis and cluster analysis, in order to identify the variables related to quality of life, and to be able to group the municipalities which have a similar quality of life. During the three scenarios studied, Tucuruí remained the only municipality with the highest quality of life index in the entire region, revealing the inequality present in the study area, which is something to be considered during the development of public policies.

Space-Time Dynamics of Land Use in the Municipality of Goianésia Do Pará, Brazil

“…In addition, the resettlement affected indigenous people of the area by cutting their access to the reservoir; facilitating the entrance of non-indigenous poachers; and contributing to the transmission of diseases, such as malaria [12]. Nonetheless, the dam does contribute to generate employment, thus making it attractive for people to migrate to neighboring municipalities [15]. Goianésia do Pará is one of the municipalities that has experienced a significant expansion as a result of its proximity to the dam, as it is evident with the apparition of illegal settlements [16].…”

Identify the Impacts of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on Watershed Sediment and Water Yields Dynamics

“…Economic growth is directly related to large infrastructure projects, such as hydropower plants, to meet the increase in electricity demand that accompanies urbanization and industrialization [1]. Hydropower is known to be renewable, clean, efficient, and harmless compared to other non-renewable energy sources, although the construction of megadams on transboundary rivers poses well-known environmental and political problems [2]. Hence, the concept of sustainable development has been a guiding principle for economic development in all United Nations member countries [3].…”