Dwarfing the landscape before you, Furnas stands as a testament to Brazil’s ambition. Furnas is more than just a power plant. It is a symbol of progress and a crucial part of Brazil’s energy infrastructure.
Founded in 1957, Eletrobras Furnas aimed to support Brazil’s fast urbanization. The goal was to harness the power of the Grande River. Construction of the Furnas Dam began in February 1957. Furnas started operations effectively in 1963.
Furnas’ privileged location is key to its importance. It sits 500 km from Rio de Janeiro. It is 400 km from S\u00e3o Paulo and 300 km from Belo Horizonte. This proximity helped avoid a major energy collapse in the mid-60s. It prevented rationing and power outages affecting Brazilian industries.
When construction began, Furnas’ forecast output was significant. It represented one-third of Brazil’s total installed capacity. The Furnas Plant has normalized the flow of the Grande River. This normalization allowed for eight more plants to be built. These plants fully utilize over 6,000 MW in installed power.
The Furnas Plant is impressive. Its dam is a riprap structure with a clay core. The maximum height reaches 127 meters. The development at the crown extends 554 meters. The total volume of the dam is 9.45 million cubic meters.
The reservoir behind the Furnas dam is massive. It has a maximum length of 220 km. The flooded area covers 1,440 square kilometers. The total volume of the reservoir is 22.95 billion cubic meters.
Furnas also houses important service areas. The Hydrobiology and Fish Farming Station produces fish. These fish are for planned reservoir repopulations. The station also conserves the water quality.
The Testing and Measurement Technical Center provides vital support. It helps maintain and operate the Furnas electricity system. This center is nationally recognized. It specializes in instrumentation and electrical testing.
The FURNAS Training Center improves skilled staff. Training covers electronics and power systems. It offers consultancy to companies in the electricity industry.
The Emergency Control Training Center is a modern facility. It spans 30,000 square meters. It provides fire and panic drills. It supports government agencies and electricity companies.
The Furnas Hydroelectric Power Plant was the first plant built by the Company. The first unit went into operation in September 1963. By July 1965, the sixth unit was running. In the early 70s, an expansion project added two more units. This increased total output to 1,216 MW.
Today, Eletrobras Furnas generates and transmits electricity widely. It reaches 51% of households in Brazil. Over 40% of the nation’s electricity passes through its grid. The company’s generating capacity is significant. It accounts for 10% of Brazil’s electrical production.
Furnas is more than an engineering marvel. It embodies Brazil’s drive for progress. It stands as a reminder of the nation’s commitment to powering its future. Its legacy continues to shape Brazil’s energy landscape.