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What Is the Socioeconomic Impact of the Tucuruí Dam on Its Surrounding Municipalities?

Abstract:

Hydroelectric energy is known for being renewable, clean, efficient and harmless in comparison to other nonrenewable energy sources. Nonetheless, the installation of a hydroelectric power complex (HC) in places, such as the Amazon, have proven to cause land cover changes, and alter local population dynamics. Issues like migration and city expansion can cause economic, social and cultural impacts locally, while the benefits are seen in other regions. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the socioeconomic indicators of the municipalities directly affected by the Tucuruí HPC. The study took into consideration three scenarios: the post-inauguration of the HC in 1988 (phase I), the beginning of construction in 2000 (phase II), and the completion of the Tucuruí HC in 2010 (phase III). Two types of multivariate analysis were conducted: the principal component analysis and cluster analysis, in order to identify the variables related to quality of life, and to be able to group the municipalities which have a similar quality of life. During the three scenarios studied, Tucuruí remained the only municipality with the highest quality of life index in the entire region, revealing the inequality present in the study area, which is something to be considered during the development of public policies.