The challenges of the Brazilian electric energy regulatory agency on mitigate effects from 2024 Rio Grande do Sul floods


Sérgio R. Leite (1) , Ludimila L. Silva(2) & Luiz R. Gomes(3)


ABSTRACT: Evaluating the occurrence of extreme events in large civil structures, such as dams, is of great importance in a more complete risk analysis study, both for managers and decision-makers. The prevention of new tragedies, however, depends on the lessons we learn from previous accidents, regardless of their size. Accidents act as revelations of organizational dysfunction, questioning our capacity for analysis and diagnosis. Generally speaking, the solution to mitigating these risks requires, in addition to rigorous periodic inspections, the adoption of more efficient structural and non-structural studies and techniques. Against this backdrop, the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL), which is responsible for overseeing the construction and operation of hydroelectric power plants, has been restructuring its activities with a view to improving the knowledge and techniques linked to the dam monitoring process, based on risk assessment and management approaches. Between the end of April and the beginning of May 2024, the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul was hit by flooding due to precipitation, which led the local government to classify the situation as “the biggest climate catastrophe in the state’s history”. The excessive rainfall affected more than 60% of the state’s territory. In this context, out of a total of 126 potentially affected hydroelectric plants, only two had their dams partially breached, and their effects were restricted to material damage. No loss of human life was recorded. In a risk- oriented perspective, in which actions, performance and consequences are treated in an integrated manner, the correct classification of the levels of commitment of a structure or system makes it possible to detect dangerous events in good time. The aim of this article is to present an analysis of the climatic events recorded in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, their impacts on the procedures adopted by ANEEL to mitigate their effects, as well as the challenges faced by the Agency in monitoring the safety of hydroelectric dams in this region.


Keywords: Dam safety, risk management, regulation, enforcement, climate changes.


1. Introduction Climate change impacts on water resources are increasingly affecting the vulnerability of global hydropower generation. Climate risk assessments for South American countries such as Brazil, the country most


Author details: (1) (3)


Email: sergioleite@aneel.gov.br; (2) Email: ludimila@aneel.gov.br; Email: lrgomes@aneel.gov.br; Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency Vol XXXIII Issue 3 | Dam Engineering | 157


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