Brasilia,March 19-20, 2024-The 7th National Small Hydropower Conference took place at the Brasilia National Conference Center. Organized by the Brazilian Small Hydropower Association(Associação Brasileira de Pequenas Centrais Hidrelétricas, ABRAPACH).The conference aimed to discuss the development experiences and opportunities in the small hydropower sector, as well as the contributions of small hydropower to addressing climate change, sustainable development, and carbon reduction goals.

Key attendees at the conference included Fernando da Silva, Director of the Brazilian National Electricity Agency (ANEEL); Gentil Nogueira, Director of Electricity at the Brazilian Ministry of Energy and Mines; Alessandra Torres de Carvalho, President ofABRAPACH; André Pepitone, CFO of the Itaipu Hydropower Plant; Elusa Barroso, Executive Advisor at the Brazilian National Power System Operator (ONS); along with representatives from the Brazilian Federal and State governments, public sectors in the electricity industry, experts, scholars, and industry professionals.Mr.WuWenhao, Executive ViceChairmanand Secretary General ofIF-CSHE, was among the invited guests.

Intheopening speech, Alessandra Torres de Carvalho emphasized the role of small hydropower in the Brazilian energy matrix, particularly in meeting the peak electricity consumption of Brazilian society. Fernando da Silva highlighted that Brazil set a new record of 102,478 MW in energy demand on March 15, with 92.5% of the electricity generated from renewable sources, and hydropower accounting for 48% of the installed capacity. Discussing the role of small hydropower as not just an energy source but also a driver of economic and social development locally, he stressed its importance in promoting regional economic growth and providing clean, renewable energy in remote areas.

During the conference, discussions were held between WuWenhaoand key figures such as Alessandra Torres de Carvalho, Ademar Cury da Silva, Paulo Abrex, and Jose Filho on topics including promoting renewable energy development, addressing climate change, achieving carbon neutrality goals, and enhancing industry cooperation between China and Brazil. The discussions aimed at furthercooperation and advancement in the field of small hydropower for sustainable energy production and environmental goals.