Venezuelan Dams
Venezuela contains a total of four hydroelectric dams that are used in many ways, making them essential for the progress of the country (Parraga, 2011). Recently, the government has presented regulations which state that all hydroelectric power ought to be generated in similar ways that meet specific criteria and precautions. However, before these are explained in detail it is important to state several basic facts. Hydroelectric power, or hydroelectricity, is generated by the force of falling water. Its production may emit hazardous residues, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the environment. Nevertheless, hydroelectricity is one of the most efficient sources of energy, while being the most reliable and affordable (Gobierno Bolivariano de Venezuela, 2010). In Venezuela, hydroelectric dams are able to provide electricity at a reasonable cost to families, schools, farms, factories, and businesses.
As affirmed before, the Southern American country has regulations that require the hydroelectric industry to follow rigorous criteria and precautions. The successful legislation was approved by the Venezuelan government in affiliation with “Central Hidroelétrica Simón Bolívar,” an agency that is dedicated to the efficiency of both the hydroelectric industry and the citizens of rural, suburban, and urban areas in Venezuela (Agencia Boilvariana de Noticias, 2008). Such regulations ensure that a hydroelectric plant does not exceed an emission of 50, 000 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide into the environment (EDELCA. Electrificación del Caroní C.A. , 2010). Additionally, the formulation of dangerous levels of methane is prohibited by law. Consequently, it has been reported that the positive outcome of these requirements have generated consistency in the safe production of hydroelectric power.
Venezuela possesses various important hydroelectric dams that achieve an outstanding regional productivity. The accomplished success is a leading initiative taken by the government of Venezuela which has earned recognition of the South American continent and the world. The elements behind this important attainment are four hydroelectric dams that include the Caruachi, Guri, Macagua, and Tocoma.
Official Name: Francisco de Miranda Hydroelectric Power Plant Relative Location: On the Caroní River in the State of Bolivar Production: Capacity of 2,160 Megawatts |
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Official Name: Simón Bolívar Hydroelectric Power Plant Location: 59 kilometers upstream from the Caruachi Dam Production: Capacity of 10,300 Megawatts This facility is one of the largest of the world. |
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Official Name: Antonio José de Sucre Hydroelectric Power Plant Location: On the Caroní River in Ciudad Guayana, Bolivar State, Venezuela Production: Capacity of 3, 152 Megawatts |
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The four innovative dams are part of the “Central Hidroelétrica Simón Bolívar,” a system of dams that are productive and efficient in the hydroelectric complexes. Purposes and benefits of these four dams include flood control and river regulation, water storage and delivery (including irrigation), and most importantly, power generation. In an analysis of statistics, the majority of the Venezuelans citizens agree upon the expansion of the hydroelectric power industry as it does not cause major repercussions (Parraga, 2011). The Bolivarian Government of Venezuela states that when a population of individuals, often in rural communities, does not have access to water from nearby rivers, then the citizens are ensured to receive sanitized and pure water on a regular basis to continue a progressive effect (Gobierno Bolivariano de Venezuela, 2010). Therefore, by supporting utilitarianism, which is the philosophical basis of various governments that creates the greater benefit for the majority of the people, dams should not be decommissioned to continue effective development of the energy sector in Venezuela.