PCH Santa Edwiges III

In the 2000s, the Rialma Group built the Santa Edwiges Complex, with an installed capacity of 11.6 MWh and an annual generation projection of 91 500 MWh.
FACTS
Location

Goiás, Brazil

Technology

Hydro

Producing electricity since

2009

Developer/owner

Rialma Companhia Energética III S.A.

Estimated annual generation

91 500 MWh

Total capacity

11.6 MW

In the 2000s, the Rialma Group built the Santa Edwiges Complex, consisting of three Small Hydroelectric Plants located in the municipalities of Mambaí and Buritinópolis, in the state of Goiás, in the Midwest region of Brazil. The Santa Edwiges I and II SHPs were the first plants of this type built in the state, marking a significant advance in the generation of clean and renewable energy in the region. Subsequently, in 2009, the PCH Santa Edwiges III was inaugurated, with an installed capacity of 11.600 MWh and an annual generation projection of 91,500 MWh. Its construction was completed in just eight months, demonstrating efficiency and agility in the execution of the project.
The main basin of PCH Santa Edwiges III is the Tocantizinho River, which runs an average distance of 30 km from the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, close to the environmental preservation area. APA Pouso Alto. To maintain the preservation of biodiversity in the area, Rialma develops a variety of activities focused on environmental conservation at all of its Small Hydroelectric Power Plants. These actions include reforestation of the areas surrounding the reservoirs and monitoring of water quality, fauna, and ichthyofauna (fish), with the aim of preventing silting of rivers and protecting the entire biological chain that depends directly or indirectly on water.

About Grupo Rialma

Grupo Rialma began its activities 36 years ago in the agricultural sector. In the 1980s, it began operating in grain transportation and reforestation. But, it was in the 1990s that Grupo Rialma discovered its true vocation for energy and renewable energy production, starting to develop electric energy studies and projects, such as the implementation of its own Renewable Power Plants.

In recognition of its work with renewable generation, Grupo Rialma was awarded the “Certificado de Destaque Ambiental” by the “Jornal do Meio Ambiente” from the State of São Paulo, due to its commitment to sustainable development and applying, on a daily basis, good environmental practices.

About Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

The Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is located in the northeast of the State of Goiás, between the municipalities of Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Cavalcante, Teresina de Goiás, Nova Roma, and São João d’Aliança.

Created in 1961, the site protects an area of approximately 240 611 hectares and is part of the Cerrado biome. There are unique plant species, springs and watercourses, prehistoric geology, and a landscape of extraordinary beauty formed by details that have changed over time.

In addition to all of its natural charm, the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is known for preserving areas full of history, such as the old mining sites, which are important to the region’s culture.

For these reasons, UNESCO included the site in the Natural World Heritage list in 2001.

The area lends itself to a myriad of outdoor activities, including walks and refreshing waterfall baths – an excellent opportunity for visitors who want to relax and be inspired, surrounded by a rare landscape used as a route by miners many years ago.

In 2019, the Federal Government granted Parquetur a concession to manage the public use of the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park and provide visitor support services. Since then, we have committed to improving infrastructure reforms, revitalizing green areas, and conserving the Cerrado biome.

About APA Pouso Alto

The preservation area APA Pouso Alto is located in the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, northeast region of the State of Goiás, occupying approximately 2.36% of the state area, covering the following municipalities: Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Cavalcante, Colinas do Sul, Nova Roma, São João D’Aliança and Teresina de Goiás.

The preservation area APA Pouso Alto is located in an area known as a hotspot. This concept is defined as a priority area for conservation, with rich and yet endangered biodiversity, due to the great human pressure it suffers due to extractivism and agricultural expansion in the northeast of Goiás. It is part of the Paranã-Pirineus Ecological Corridor, which is a biodiversity corridor formed by a mosaic of conservation units with little intensive use. This project is also part of the Cerrado Biosphere Reserve. The factors that led UNESCO to recognize the northeast of Goiás as part of the Cerrado Biosphere Reserve are its biological importance (with high levels of biodiversity and endemism), the existence of differentiated physiognomies, and unique ecological processes, among others.