The strength of the waters of the Benedito River in the Santa Catarina Valley prompted the Santa Maria Electric Cooperative to open another power plant. The group is considered the largest in the field of electricity generation in Santa Catarina with a history of 63 years. The work lasted two years, from 2021 to 2022, and has already been put into full operation.

All of the co-op’s approximately 70 employees took part in the project, strengthening its network of more than 200 service and equipment providers. A collective effort that reverberates throughout the region: Benedito Novo is home to about ten thousand people. Of the total cost of work, 80% was financed by BRED – the Regional Development Bank of the Far South.

The sales center of the Aguas da Serra plant, where the monitoring center and equipment are located – Photo: Marcelo Feble

Aguas da Serra has three power units, each with a capacity of 7,500 kW, for a total installed capacity of 22,500 kW. “The energy generated here is transported via a transmission line to Indayal, about 19 km from the power plant, where it enters the power grid connected to the national one,” explains Ceesam Group electrical engineer Eder Pereira. From the upper reaches, that is, the highest point, to the outlet where the power units are located, approximately 134 meters of waterfall runs. According to the engineer, it is the difference in height and volume of water that guarantees generation at full capacity.

The company is known for its highly qualified professional engineers with advanced technology. “The newly opened project is the largest in the history of the cooperative and is considered a milestone that has raised the level of the group,” says Júlio Oliveira, Deputy Operations Manager of BRDE. He recalls that he personally followed the progress of work in Benedito Novo and that these visits provide closeness, guaranteeing success in monitoring and developing solutions.

Each power unit produces six thousand liters of water per second. Photo: Marcelo Feble.

Sustainability and environmental stewardship are also axes that drive the definition and effectiveness of decisions within the Far South Regional Development Bank. sustainable development.

“Our mission is to stimulate movement in view of the transition to a more sustainable economy in the southern region and especially in Santa Catarina. There are a number of actions, not only in terms of financing actions related to renewable energy, but also, for example, to support low-carbon agriculture, which is one of the biggest challenges we face in the future,” explains João Paulo. Kleinubing.

BRDE’s financing programs include Mais Energia Sustentável, which guarantees subsidies to businesses specialized in the production and transmission of renewable energy. Initiatives include reductions in analysis and verification fees, as well as reductions in interest rates on items such as:

• Introduction, modernization or re-equipment of hydro, solar, wind and other power units using renewable energy sources;
• Purchase of turbines, photovoltaic generators, wind turbines and other energy production equipment and related working capital;
• Projects that help reduce industrial and commercial energy consumption.

Anyone interested in investing in this area can even do a simulation considering the average interest rates charged by a bank on the BRDE website.

The group Ceesam from Santa Catarina has about 2 thousand members. The lack of electricity in the town of Benedito Novo several decades ago was one of the main requirements that prompted the creation of the cooperative. Lorivald Beyer, president of Ceesam, emphasizes the group’s concern for social issues beyond hydroelectric dams. “The group is involved in projects in the fields of health, education and infrastructure, contributing to the development and quality of life of the region’s residents,” adds Lorivald Beyer.

According to the cooperative, environmental surveys and monitoring are conducted quarterly during four seasons of the year. Among the tests are water tests that prove the rivers remain healthy. Registration of flora living in direct contact with water continues, with parallel monitoring of local fauna. Residents of Benedito Novo, such as carpenter Werner Hinsching, note that the plant’s construction has benefited the city as a whole: “it has beautified the place, created jobs and brought joy to those who live here.”

Recreational opportunities have emerged in the community around Aguas da Serra. Photo: Marcelo Feble