Spatial injustice to energy access in the shadow of hydropower in Brazil

Hydroelectric dams generate adverse social and ecological consequences for communities in their vicinity, particularly those situated in rural areas, far from urban centers, and lacking significant political and economic influence. There is relatively little research on how hydroelectric projects change local energy services. In this study, we investigate whether Jirau and Santo Antônio—two dams in the Brazilian Amazon—have impacted energy sources, access, and electricity prices for households in communities near the construction sites using survey data and geospatial analysis. We evaluate these changes' spatial and political determinants. Our findings reveal that certain households still rely on diesel generators for their electricity. Furthermore, we find that communities experienced spatial injustices in energy access. Spatial and political factors explain differences in energy sources and access between households. Households adversely affected by construction, particularly those in distant upstream and downstream communities, those who were not resettled, and those who did not engage directly in negotiations with dam builders, were less likely to experience improvements in energy access and sources. Most of these households perceived that their energy prices increased after the construction. Our study implies that hydroelectric dams do not consistently improve energy access in nearby communities and, in fact, contribute to the persistence of spatial injustices.