Experts say the new thermal power plant in Ceara could spell disaster

For experts, one of the biggest problems is the lack of accuracy in these reports.

According to the document, the project envisages capturing 3,004 cubic meters per hour of seawater and releasing 1,557 cubic meters per hour of treated effluent into the sea – equivalent to removing about 3,004,000 liters of water, or equivalent. , more than an Olympic swimming pool per hour (taking into account that the average capacity of an Olympic swimming pool is 2,500,000 litres).

However, Portusim stated in a statement in the report that it would change the technology. Instead of using the combined cycle, a simple cycle will be used with a requirement of only 5 m3/h, i.e. a 99.8% reduction in the initially expected water volume. The gas turbines will be cooled by a closed-circuit water system, similar to a car radiator system, which will significantly reduce water consumption. Raw water will be provided by Ceará Water Resources Management Company (Cogerh), which supplies other companies in the Pecém complex.

However, says Andre Luis Ferreira, Executive Director of the Institute for Energy and Environment IEMA, “All energy production, in one way or another, affects the environment. Just because the source of energy generation does not emit greenhouse gases it does not have any environmental impact.”

He cites the following examples: Large solar parks, on an industrial scale, can increase deforestation, for example. Wind energy impacts fishing and the local economy on the coast. Hydroelectric power plants in the indigenous lands issue. According to him, the country’s environmental licensing process does not provide the necessary security for communities and society in general. “This is the real problem,” he says.

“In this sense, there may also be an increase in salinity. Effects together [salinidade e temperatura] “It has not been adequately analyzed to the point of understanding the coverage area and the associated impacts on local biodiversity,” says Alexandre Torra, a professor at the Institute of Oceanography at the University of São Paulo.