Anhanguera Hydro Power Project

The Anhanguera Hydro Project, led by Central Elétrica Anhanguera S.A. (CELAN), taps into the Sapucaí River’s potential to deliver clean energy to Brazil’s National Electricity Grid. Hydropower remains the world’s top renewable source, per the International Energy Agency. This mature, low-cost technology fights global warming effectively. Located between São Joaquim da Barra and Guará in São Paulo, this run-of-the-river plant supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like affordable energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13).

Clean Energy with Minimal Impact

This run-of-the-river design features little to no reservoir capacity. It reduces environmental harm significantly. Three horizontal Kaplan turbines handle up to 50m³/s of water flow. Even during shortages, efficiency stays high. Thus, the project balances energy production and water management, aligning with SDG 6 for sustainable water use.

Advancing Sustainability Goals

The Anhanguera Hydro Project promotes resilient infrastructure (SDG 9). It fosters innovation and sustainable industrialization. By harnessing hydrologic resources, it cuts carbon emissions. This supports SDG 15, protecting ecosystems and halting biodiversity loss. CELAN’s efforts decarbonize energy production actively.

Reforestation and Research

CELAN’s environmental team spearheads a robust reforestation effort. They restored 177 hectares with native species. Monitoring continues, despite no legal mandate. In 2025, this work marks 17 years. Studies on forest resilience, species growth, and soil recovery led to a 2023 article in Ecological Engineering. These findings offer fresh insights into long-term forest health.

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