Installation of the Caçapava thermoelectric plant could take place within four years. The Public Hearing to discuss the installation of the thermoelectric plant takes place on January 31st, at the Lions Club headquarters, at 7pm.
The energy factory will be located in an area of 250 thousand square meters in the Campo Grande neighborhood, on the banks of the Vito Ardito Highway (SP-062), at km 117. The project is expected to generate up to 2 thousand jobs.
The justification for installing the thermoelectric plant in Caçapava, according to Natural Energia Participações Ltda, responsible for the project, is that the plant will play a fundamental role in the current Brazilian energy landscape. The main purpose, according to the environmental impact report, is to meet the growing demand for electrical energy in an efficient and competitive way. This not only ensures a solid foundation for the expansion of renewable energy sources, but also promotes the technological development of the energy sector.
Environmental impact of the Caçapava thermoelectric plant during operation
Change in Water Quality
In the operational phase of the project, there is a risk of changes in water quality, mainly due to the generation and inadequate disposal of sanitary, industrial and oily effluents. It is essential that these effluents are treated and disposed of appropriately to minimize environmental impact.
Changing Air Quality
Air quality will be significantly affected during operation, especially due to the emission of air pollutants from gas turbines. The main pollutants include nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO), as well as a smaller amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in particular unburned hydrocarbons (UHC).
Soil and Water Contamination
Soil and water contamination is a relevant concern, mainly associated with inadequate management of solid waste and effluents. The operation of the unit will generate a significant amount of solid waste, whose adequate treatment and disposal are essential to avoid environmental contamination. It is crucial to implement effective waste management practices to ensure the protection of soil and water resources.”
There are other negative impacts on fauna, flora and the environment in general.
The installation of the thermoelectric plant in Caçapava takes into account the proximity of the gas pipeline that passes through the site and the proximity to streams that flow into the Paraíba do Sul River. In addition, there is also the proximity to important distribution lines in the region.
Jobs generated by
During the construction phase, policies focused on the hiring process will be implemented, with special attention to prioritizing local labor. Furthermore, measures will be adopted for the staff demobilization phase, aiming to assist workers in their reintegration into the local job market.
The peak of demand for labor is expected to occur between the 24th and 28th month, with the creation of approximately 2 thousand new jobs. This will represent a significant employment and income generation opportunity for local workers, many of whom already have specialization provided by the industry present in the region.
What does the legislation say about the installation of the Caçapava thermoelectric plant
Municipal organic laws, which previously prohibited the installation of thermoelectric plants due to environmental impacts, were the subject of controversy last year. The Attorney General’s Office of the State Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPE) declared such laws unconstitutional, arguing that the competence to decide on the installation of thermoelectric plants is federal. However, zoning licensing for such projects still resides at the municipal level, while environmental licensing is carried out by Ibama, highlighting a conflict of competences.
This scenario raises significant concerns regarding the environmental and public health effects in the affected municipalities. The consequences include contamination, pollution, risks to public health and the contribution to the expansion of the greenhouse effect. These impacts, which transcend geographic boundaries, have the potential to affect not only the immediate areas but also surrounding regions, exacerbating the climate crisis in a broader context.
