Assessment of the Environmental Impacts of the Engenheiro Sérgio Motta HPP Plant Using the Leopold Matrix Methodology

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the main environmental impacts present in the Engenheiro Sérgio Motta Hydroelectric Power Plant, located in the far west of the state of São Paulo. Theoretical Framework: The environmental impacts of hydroelectric power plants are widely known and discussed in the literature, but the texts are often exhaustive and difficult to understand, which prevents most of the population from understanding them. Method: The methodology adopted for this study consists of assembling a Leopold Matrix, whose main characteristic is to summarize the environmental impacts and present them in the form of a table. In this way, understanding by the readers becomes simpler and more effective. Results and Discussion: The results obtained show that the negative impacts are numerically greater than the positive impacts. Many of them occur directly, have a regional scope, are permanent, and of great magnitude. This leads to the question of the sustainability of energy sources labeled as clean. Research Implications: This research is investigative and diagnostic in nature, and aims to discuss the sustainability of energy sources considered clean. After all, even though they are renewable, there is no energy conversion method that does not have environmental consequences, and in the case of hydroelectric plants, permanent and large-scale consequences. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature due to the method used and the presentation of the results, making them visually appealing, since pages of information are compiled in a single table, called the Leopold Matrix.