Older mini-hydro plants can now increase capacity by installing larger turbines, and still remain within the classification. Among the benefits is a discount in transmission costs of 50%. A t R$160/MWh, investors start seeing a return on money after seven years of operating. While it may not be quite the hot market it once was, believers hold strong.
Not just a drop in the ocean
After an initial surge, new mini-hydro projects have slowed to a trickle, due to an evaporation of electricity demand and investment. The next few years will be crucial.
3 September 2009 22:00 GMT
Updated
25 November 2012 10:14 GMT
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