The roar of water. A thunderous symphony echoing through the mountains. That’s the first thing you notice at the Usina Hidroelétrica Henry Borden.
This isn’t just any hydroelectric plant. This is a marvel of engineering a testament to human ambition. Built between 1926 and 1950 the Usina Hidroelétrica Henry Borden stands as a symbol of São Paulo’s industrial rise. Imagine the sheer audacity the vision it took to bring this project to life.
The Usina Hidroelétrica Henry Borden isn’t simply about harnessing power. It’s about redirecting nature itself. Water from the Rio Pinheiros is pumped to the Billings Reservoir. From there it flows to the Rio das Pedras reservoir the heart of the system. From this point the water cascades down through tunnels a 720-meter drop to power the turbines.
This incredible feat of engineering involves two power plants an external one and a subterranean one. The external plant the older of the two features eight external penstocks and a conventional powerhouse. Each generator is powered by two Pelton turbines perfect for high-head applications. The water travels approximately 1500 meters before striking the turbines generating power.
Now picture the subterranean plant. Hidden within a cavern carved into the Serra do Mar mountain it houses six generators. Imagine the scale of that cavern 120 meters long 21 meters wide and 39 meters high. Each generator here is driven by a single Pelton turbine fed by four jets of water.
The Usina Hidroelétrica Henry Borden initially had a total capacity of 889 MW. However due to ecological concerns its current output is reduced significantly to around 200 MW. The reduced output helps to control pollution in the Billings Reservoir. This redirection of water flow also helps reduce pollution in the Billings Reservoir by directing the flow and pollution inland.
The Usina Hidroelétrica Henry Borden’s story is interwoven with the history of São Paulo. It helped fuel the city’s growth but also highlights the delicate balance between development and environmental responsibility. As we stand here before this imposing structure remember the ingenuity and the challenges that brought it into being. The Usina Hidroelétrica Henry Borden is more than just a power plant. It’s a legacy a story carved into the very landscape itself.