Water speech: energy, power and inequality in Brazil

Abstract

This documentary shows the social conflict stemming from the construction of hydroelectric power plants in Brazil. Specifically, it shows the conflict emerged around the construction and operation of two dams. The first is the Porto Primavera hydroelectric dam. The project, which began during the military dictatorship and the democratic era ended generated significant social confrontation. Its wall formed a lake that covered an area of 2.250 km2 with consequent social and environmental impact. The second case is the project of developing a series of dams on the unique river without damming of the State of Paraná. Driven by the Growth Acceleration Program of the Lula government, has plans to build eight dams on the river Tibagi. The purpose of this document is to reflect on the social distribution of positive and negative effects of hydroelectric power.