Nova Avanhandava Dam, Hydroelectric power station in Buritama, Brazil.
Nova Avanhandava Dam is a hydroelectric power station on the Tietê River in São Paulo state that spans about 2 kilometers and generates electricity for the region. The facility includes locks that allow ships to navigate around different water levels and continue their journeys.
The dam was completed in 1982 and marked a turning point in Brazil's efforts to harness waterpower for electricity generation. It was part of a larger strategy to build multiple facilities along the Tietê to increase the region's energy output.
The reservoir creates a new habitat that fishermen and boat operators use daily, with local communities having adapted to the altered river landscape.
The site is best explored during daylight when light illuminates the water and infrastructure well. It is advisable to observe from public areas, as parts of the facility are restricted for safety reasons.
The dam is part of a system of successive facilities on the Tietê where each stage functions like a series of steps, together achieving greater water and energy efficiency. This cascade configuration is often overlooked but shows how thoughtful planning maximizes river use.
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