Brazil’s Santo Antônio Hydropower Project awarded HSS gold after closing gaps
The Santo Antônio Hydropower Project on the Madeira River in Rondônia State, Brazil, has achieved Gold certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS), after addressing gaps identified by an earlier assessment.
The 3,568 MW project, owned by Santo Antônio Energia and Eletrobras, is one of the largest hydropower plants in Latin America. It plays a critical role in Brazil’s energy mix, providing renewable electricity to millions of people while supporting regional development and environmental protection initiatives.
Sustainability progress and ongoing initiatives
An earlier assessment of the project in 2014 under a predecessor tool to the HSS identified sustainability performance gaps related to Indigenous Peoples and resettlement.
Santo Antônio Energia has since taken action to close these gaps and make progress across several areas of social and environmental management.
The new assessment under the HSS highlights how the project has provided fair compensation and benefits to affected communities, ensured safe and equitable working conditions, and invested in biodiversity conservation programmes.
Monitoring data shows water quality and sediment levels have remained stable, and cultural heritage sites have been preserved.
The importance of continuous assessment
“Achieving Gold certification is a testament to years of persistent effort,” said João Costa, Executive Director of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance.
“Santo Antônio shows that genuine sustainability is a long-term commitment. By engaging openly and taking action to address shortcomings, major projects like this can ensure they deliver the maximum benefit for people, nature and the climate.”
Santo Antônio becomes the third hydropower project in Brazil to achieve certification under the HSS.
You can find out more about the Hydropower Sustainability Standard and the Santo Antônio Hydropower Project assessment.
