Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Energy: Suez wins contoversial Amazon hydro-electric licence

The Financial Times reports that a consortium led by Suez, the Franco-Belgian water and energy utility, has won a licence to build and operate the second of two controversial hydro-electric power stations on the River Madeira on the eastern edge of the Brazilian Amazon.

The power plants are opposed by indigenous peoples and environmental groups. Contoversy over delays in granting environmental licences forced the resignation last week of Marina Silva, the former crusading environment minister.

She is expected to be replaced by Carlos Minc, former environment secretary in the state of Rio de Janeiro, who is known for the speed with which environmental licences for infrastructure projects in the state were granted during his tenure.
Mike Hitchen, Mike Hitchen Consulting Publisher of
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