Today, May 5th, the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant celebrates ten years since the start of its operation, marking a decade of prominence in the national electricity system. Located in the Xingu River basin in Pará, the plant has established itself as the largest 100% Brazilian hydroelectric plant and the fifth largest in the world.
The project's journey began in 2010, when the auction for construction and operation was won by the Norte Energia Consortium, with the concession contract signed in August of the same year.
Civil works began in February 2011 and lasted for just over eight years, during which time more than 30 direct jobs were created.
Initially scheduled to begin operating in 2015, Belo Monte only had its first turbine activated in April 2016, marking the beginning of its effective contribution to the SIN (National Interconnected System).
Over the following years, the complex gradually progressed until it reached full capacity in 2019, with the commissioning of 18 main generating units and six supplementary units, totaling 11.233 MW of installed capacity.
Since then, the plant has accumulated a generation of approximately 255 million MWh, a volume sufficient to supply the entire country of Brazil for about five months.
On average, Belo Monte accounts for about 5% of the national energy demand throughout the year, and can meet up to 16% of consumption during peak hours.
From a technical point of view, this is a run-of-river type power plant, with reservoirs of smaller flooded area, approximately 478 km², a significant part of which corresponds to the natural riverbed during flood periods.
This characteristic reduces the impacts associated with large reservoirs, but it also makes generation more dependent on water seasonality, especially during periods of drought, as observed in recent crises.
Over the past decade, Belo Monte has also come to play a significant role in complementing the Brazilian electricity grid.
In the first months of the year, when it generates the most energy, it contributes to filling the reservoirs in the South and Southeast regions. In the second half of the year, with the reduction in the flow of the Xingu River, other power plants take on a more prominent role, ensuring the balance of the system.
In 2025, the complex achieved the highest availability rate among all hydroelectric plants in the country, exceeding 99%.
According to Norte Energia, more than R$ 8 billion has been invested in actions related to environmental licensing, including the construction of hospitals, health units, schools, urban infrastructure projects, reforestation, and initiatives aimed at indigenous communities in the Middle Xingu region.
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