Hydrelectricity water footprint in the State of Amapá, Brazil: Coaracy Nunes hydroelectric plant

Abstract

Hydraulic energy is the main source of Brazilian electric energy, responsible for approximately 80% of national production. Therefore, this article aims to determine the evaporation of the reservoir and the water footprint (PH) of the Coaracy Nunes hydroelectric plant (UHE) in Amapá. The average daily evaporation of 2013 was the one with the lowest value, 4.87 mm/day, while 2012 indicated the highest average, 5.00 mm day. Evaporation ranged from 110 to 180 mm/month, and February has lower values, between 110 and 125 mm/month. The highest values occurred between September and December, with emphasis on October with a maximum of 180 mm/month. The monthly evaporated volume showed the highest value in October and November, above 3900000 m3. And the month of February had the lowest consumption, on average 2700000 m3. There was also a predominance of lower PH values between January and May, partly being the period of greatest energy generation. And the highest PH occurred in November, the month with the lowest energy generation. The PH showed higher values between October and December, with a maximum value in November, 53.08 m3/GJ. The average PH was 25.3 m3/GJ, above the world average, which represents an inefficiency of the HPP in terms of power generation and PH. With the results, it is concluded that the evaporation by Linacre is relevant and agrees with the behavior of the climate in Amapá. And the PH values present an important tool in the evaluation of hydroelectric projects and in the management of water resources.