The cost of the Belo Monte Dam in Brazil.

[Are_grits_groceries]

Everyone knows that finding a renewable source of energy is crucial to wean the world off fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions, but what are we willing to sacrifice for clean energy?

In Brazil, the government has given the green light for the construction of a massive hydroelectric dam that will be able to generate enough energy for over 23 million homes. However, its creation will see the flooding of huge portions of the Amazon basin, displacing indigenous tribes and putting 500 sq km of rain-forest underwater. The creation of the Belo Monte Dam is expected to begin in 2015 and is rumoured to cost around $17 billion. Set to be situated on the Xingu River, a tributary of the Amazon in the northern state of Para it has been abandoned several times, noticeably in the early 90s due to its controversial nature and widespread global protests.

Brazil's environment minister Carlos Minc has stated that those who win the bidding process to building contract and operate Belo Monte will have to pay around $800 million to protect the environment and meet 40 other conditions.

"There is not going to be an environmental disaster," he told Brazilian television. He also addressed accusations that local Indians would be forced from their lands saying, "Not a single Indian will be displaced. They will be indirectly affected, but they will not have to leave indigenous lands."
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http://www.euinfrastructure.com/news/belo-monte-dam/

And as the silt builds up..................

[dipsydoodle]

1. K & R

Dickheads.

[thunder rising]

2. Grits you are usually less prone to hype. So, I'm a little disappointed

The advertisement states relocation, but the official denies it and there is no supporting evidence for either statement.

250^(1/2) = 15 sq km (app)
500^(1/2) = 22 sq km (app)

Now that is in km so keep that in mind. Next, although it represents approx 30% increase in the flood area, I have to imagine that it's still within the flood range.

I don't see the problem here.

[Are_grits_groceries]

3. I'm hyping to wake up, but

I don't believe any official statement. The words 'official statement' are suspect IMHO. The truth is somewhere in the middle probably. It will still be an eco-mess.

[thunder rising]

4. Got that, imagine me on a calculator at 6am, that's dangerous. Anymore I think of the oil lobby

and who might be behind killing the project. We are on the same page, but my suspicion is more centered on the corporations that are already trying to topple the government.

[Are_grits_groceries]

5. True dat! nt