The essay intends to discuss, with the background of the recent hydroelectric plants under way in the Brazilian Amazon, aspects relating to processes of environmental licensing, conceptual problems that concern the characterization of hydropower conversion as clean and renewable energy. This work starts from the analysis of government plans and discussions on hydropower projects, identifying the need to implement institutional changes and strengthen environmental laws and the protection of the rights of traditional and indigenous populations. We propose a new way of formulating energy problems and energy supply planning, which takes into consideration sustainable aspects and the public discussion, beyond understanding and incorporating the effects on the major biogeochemical cycles that support energy conversions.
Hydropower; Energy policy; Energy planning; Renewable energy; Amazon
