Belo Monte – Clean and renewable energy from Brazil and for Brazilians
I am proud to share the positive results achieved by Norte Energia as we close out 2024. The Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Complex – which comprises the Belo Monte HPP and the Pimental HPP with a joint installed capacity of 11,233.1 megawatts (MW) – reaffirms its essential role in Brazil’s energy transition, ensuring energy security and respect for the environment.
The challenges posed by climate change and the effects of El Niño-fueled events impacted rainfall patterns in the Amazon region. Despite this, with 100% domestic engineering and an efficient operating model, we are able to maintain sustainable energy generation, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to the decarbonization of the Brazilian energy matrix.
At the Belo Monte HPP, the main powerhouse operates with 18 generating units (UGs), with 611.11 MW capacity each. At the Pimental HPP, the complementary powerhouse has six 38.85 MW UGs. Together, these units provide essential energy to the National Interconnected System (SIN), especially during periods of highest demand. It is worth mentioning that the electricity generated by the Belo Monte Complex meets peak-hours demand, reinforcing the reliability of the national electrical system during periods of highest energy consumption.
After five years of operation, the Belo Monte HPP already demonstrated its positive impact on the sustainability of the Brazilian electricity sector by reducing the need for fossil fuels, which are major CO₂ emitters. We recognize, however, that there are still challenges to overcome, such as meeting environmental licensing obligations and financial restructuring aimed at reducing debt with the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) , thereby enabling new investments in both operations and sustainability projects.
Norte Energia reinforces its commitment to an inclusive and diverse corporate environment. In 2024, we made progress in female representation in our governance, with 58% of the Board of Directors composed of women.
Commitment to sustainability and social responsibility
Our commitment to sustainability includes strict compliance with the environmental licensing conditions established by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). We work in partnership with regulatory agencies and local communities to balance energy generation with biodiversity conservation and the social and economic development of the region.
Over the past few years, our social and environmental investments enabled important legacies, such as the construction of schools, hospitals, health units and sanitation infrastructure, and the provision of essential services to support Indigenous peoples. These efforts contributed to a drastic reduction in the region’s poverty rate and improved public safety, including the construction of a correctional facility, the donation of vehicles, and renovation of the Military Police headquarters.
Diversity and inclusion
With regard to expanding female participation, the Executive Board now has a woman occupying one of its four positions, specifically as Chief Regulatory and Commercial Officer, strengthening our journey towards more equitable and representative management.
Environmental and social commitment
We invested BRL 8 billion in social and environmental programs, reflecting our commitment to mitigating the plant’s environmental impacts. We maintain constant dialogue with government agencies and, most importantly, with local communities to ensure responsible operations aligned with best sustainability practices.
Looking ahead, we will continue to focus on overcoming financial and technical challenges, striving for greater energy efficiency in light of the current SIN scenario, and pursuing new business opportunities. The goal is to ensure that Norte Energia continues to be an example of sustainable development, providing clean energy to Brazil, promoting the well-being of local communities and ensuring environmental conservation.
Thank you all for your commitment and dedication. Together, we will build a more sustainable and fair future for everyone.
We are pleased to present our 2024 Sustainability Report. This year, we celebrate five years of full operation of the Belo Monte Complex. The largest 100% Brazilian hydroelectric power plant (HPP) secured a prominent position among the country’s top energy generators, contributing 22,690,684.07 MWh to the National Interconnected System. We keep on ensuring renewable energy for millions of Brazilians and reinforcing Brazil’s role in energy transition.
Our commitment to energy transition is reflected on the plant’s low level of CO₂ emissions, as indicated in the Company’s Annual Inventory. For the third consecutive year, we achieved the Gold Seal, reaffirming Norte Energia’s transparency and alignment with best practices in clean and renewable energy generation. In addition to establishing ourselves as one of the largest energy traders in the country, we expanded our operations by selling 2.8 million renewable energy certificates. These initiatives reinforce our role in energy transition and in promoting sustainable development.
In addition to generating renewable energy and supporting the country’s energy transition, our social and environmental actions drive regional development, job creation, and strengthening of the local economy. We also contribute with monthly royalty payments, which, from the start of operations until December 2024, totaled more than BRL 1.2 billion to the benefit of municipalities, the state of Pará and the Federal Government.
The operational safety of the Belo Monte HPP is a permanent priority for the Company. In 2024, we performed detailed technical inspections at 36 dikes and dams, ensuring their compliance with all safety criteria. We have a highly qualified technical team, a structured Dam Safety Plan (PSB) and more than 2,600 instruments, allowing for continuous assessment of the structures.
As part of the Emergency Response Plan (ERP), we conducted our 4th Dam Safety Drill, in which 600 people took part, including employees and communities in the Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS), reinforcing preparation for possible emergency scenarios.
With consistent performance and a focus on sustainability, Norte Energia established itself as a strategic pillar of the Brazilian energy matrix, balancing economic growth, environmental preservation and social and environmental responsibility for present and future generations.
Challenges and opportunities
We recognize that 2024 presented us with significant challenges. Climate change impacted rainfall patterns in the Amazon area, affecting the flow of the Xingu River and, consequently, energy generation. Meanwhile, we continued our work to minimize social and environmental impacts and strengthen dialogue with indigenous communities and riverside dwellers. Challenging scenarios reinforce the need to continuously improve our processes and strengthen dialogue with regulatory bodies and local populations.
We know that the challenges we faced require an ongoing commitment to sustainable solutions. Therefore, we continue to invest in practices that not only mitigate negative impacts, but also expand social and environmental benefits.
Social and environmental projects and commitment to sustainability
In the last few years, we rewrote our history with initiatives aimed at environmental preservation and sustainable regional development. In 2024, we highlight:
Looking into the future
2024 reinforced the importance of reconciling energy generation with social and environmental responsibility. As a Board of Directors, we remain committed to overcoming, innovating, and ensuring that Norte Energia remains aligned with a sustainable development model.
We thank all our employees, partners and communities for their continued engagement and support. Together, we will continue to build a future where clean, renewable energy goes hand in hand with environmental preservation and respect for local communities.